Drug driving menace on the increase

June 2008

THE number of arrests being made in Wicklow for driving under the influence of drugs has risen by a staggering 400 per cent in just under a year.

Two arrests for the offence were made in the Wicklow town area over the Bank Holiday weekend and four for driving under the influence of alcohol.

However, Gardaí say there has been a marked increase in the number of offenders caught driving having taken illegal drugs of some kind.

‘It is becoming much more common. An intoxicant is an intoxicant, regardless of whether it is drugs or alcohol.’

‘Either way it’s extremely dangerous to get behind the steering wheel of a car in that condition,’ said a spokesperson.

While an increase in the number of people using recreational drugs is one reason for the rise, new Garda procedures are also coming up with results.

‘Arrests are up 400 per cent from last year and a change in procedures has a great deal to do with it,’ added the spokesperson.

‘Now if someone tests negative for alcohol they are then mandatory drug tested. It’s certainly producing the results and making Wicklow roads safer.’