Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jul 2003 Source: Evening Telegraph (UK) Copyright: 2003 Northamptonshire Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.northantsnew.co.uk/news/tele/index.asp Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2272 POLICE WELCOME DRUG-DRIVE TESTS COUNTY police have welcomed a proposed crackdown on people driving while under the influence of drugs. The number is steadily increasing and county police are leading the way in testing drivers for evidence of drug use. The force has been carrying out roadside field impairment tests to detect evidence of drug use in drivers for the past two years and is now backing plans to extend the test to include the power to take saliva samples. Assistant Chief Constable Derek Talbot said: "We are already very proactive in drug-drive testing. "Officers from our force now train officers from other forces to become instructors in drug influence recognition techniques. "Current roadside breath tests only detect the presence of alcohol, therefore further methods to reduce the drug-drive problem should be welcomed in the interests of everyone's safety on our roads." A national study carried out in the late 1990s showed 18 per cent of all drivers involved in fatal road accidents and 22 per cent of all passengers had taken illegal drugs. Drivers who take a field impairment test will be asked to carry out a number of sequences, including balancing and walking in a straight line. The new saliva test, expected to be introduced under the Railway and Transport Safety Bill later this week, will allow police officers to take a sample and test it on the spot for traces of drugs. Anyone caught driving after having taken drugs faces up to six months in prison, a UKP5,000 fine or a 12-month driving ban. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake