Pubdate: Sun, 15 Jul 2001
Source: Sunday Herald, The (UK)
Copyright: 2001 Sunday Herald
Contact:  http://www.sundayherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/873
Author: Neil Mackay

ONE IN FOUR FAIL DRUG-DRIVE TEST

A QUARTER of Scottish motorists tested during a police campaign were found 
to be driving under the influence of drugs.

The discovery was made when all eight Scottish police forces recently 
targeted drug-drivers over a 48-hour period as part of the nationwide Know 
the Score campaign. Police revealed that 25% of drivers failed new tests to 
check on the scale of the problem.

The tests, which were part of a pilot project, were carried out by officers 
trained in 'field impairment techniques', which look for tell-tale signs 
that a driver is high on illegal drugs or under the influence of 
prescription medication.

Colin McKerracher, Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, said 
everyone had to 'realise their responsibilities and the dangers involved', 
adding: 'Driving a vehicle under the influence of any drug which causes 
impairment, including prescribed medication, has to be addressed.

'The government has set targets for substantial road casualty reductions by 
2010, and tackling drug-driving will form part of the police action to meet 
those targets, alongside educating the public and enforcing drug-driving 
legislation.

'I would encourage members of the public not to drive whilst under the 
influence of any drug and I appeal to anybody with knowledge of any 
motorist doing this, to report it to the police.'

The Know The Score campaign has been organised jointly with the Scottish 
Executive, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and drugs campaigners.

The initiative also has the backing of the Scottish Prison Service, the 
Crown Office and customs and excise.

Tests on drug-drivers take around 10 minutes and include:

- - Examination of the pupils -- where abnormally sized pupils would suggest 
the driver has taken drugs

- - The Romberg test -- where the subject is required to tilt their head 
back, close their eyes and estimate when a 30 second period has elapsed

- - Walk and turn test -- where the subject walks nine steps heel-to-toe 
along an imaginary line

- - Standing test -- where the subject's ability to stand on one leg for 30 
seconds is assessed

- - And the finger-to-nose test -- where the subject has to touch their nose 
with their index finger.

Fife's Assistant Chief Constable David Mellor said police chiefs had 
considered using sweat, saliva or urine tests but ruled them out as 
unsuitable as they could only work if a set legal limit was given for each 
drug.

He said the current 'psycho-motor' tests were 'effective and accurate'. 
Research by the Scottish Executive last year showed that 85% of clubbers 
admitted driving after using drugs.

Strathclyde Police say that 18% of all specimens sent to police labs for 
drink-driving offences contain traces of illegal drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens