Roadside drug testing ‘needs an awareness campaign’
An island-wide awareness campaign will be important if the States approves changes to the driving laws being proposed by Home Affairs, Health Improvement Commission substance use lead Andrea Nightingale has said.
As part of the Misuse of Drugs Advisory Group, Mrs Nightingale was among those consulted on the proposed changes, which could see roadside breath tests being upgraded to allow them to be used as evidence in court, along with the introduction of roadside testing for drivers who might be under the influence of drugs.
She said that it was important that Bailiwick Law Enforcement had the right tools for the job, with up-to-date laws that could be used as and when appropriate in line with drink-driving.
‘However, if the new laws are put in place, it is equally important that the community is aware of the changes, especially regarding prescription drugs,' she said.
‘An island-wide awareness campaign would be essential as part of the implementation.
She highlighted the risk of driving after taking some prescription drugs.
While she welcomed the proposals, said it would be important to reinforce and make it clear that there were no safe limits when it came to drinking and driving.
‘Each individual reacts very differently to alcohol and even one drink could impair their reactions, due to gender, size, time of day, whether they have eaten etc.’
Having roadside tests for both drugs and alcohol would lessen the uncertainty and if that acted as a deterrent that would be a positive outcome.
‘This is about improving the safety of our community by reducing the risk that people who drink/drug drive pose to themselves, as well as to other road users,’ said Mrs Nightingale.
Tracey Rear, business manager of the charity In-dependence, which supports those affected by drugs, alcohol and gambling issues, said that while the changes might act as a deterrent for some, they might not influence everyone this way.
'The hypothesis that this change will act as a deterrent is based on an assumption that people are motivated by the same things and share the same cognitive processes and capabilities and the same risk attitudes, which we know is incorrect,’ she said.
‘The key in any policy change such as this is to ensure there is provision/opportunities to engage in treatment/therapy for those who are willing, and this is something In-dependence offers.’
