All routes to the high road closed

Drug-driving was already an offence but now a new saliva swab allows gardai to test for illegal narcotics.

Finally it’s not just drink-drivers being targeted but those who get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.

Hardly a day goes by without someone being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Drink and speed were always blamed as the major factors for the mayhem up to now.

However, the hidden danger of drugs always lurked but was never properly tackled until now.

For decades stoned drivers have been able to take to our roads and motorways knowing there was little chance of being caught.

It’s well past time we caught up with other countries when it comes to tackling this deadly danger to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The penalty is the same as for drink driving – a maximum €5,000 fine and up to six months’ imprisonment on summary conviction.

The minimum disqualification is one year and the maximum is six.

If you take illegal drugs and are stopped, you will more than likely fail the test and be arrested – and have to face the consequences.

Most over-the-counter medicines will not be detected but codeine (found in Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine) is an opiate and is detectable in saliva. This is not a problem if your driving is not impaired.

If you are on medication, you should consult your pharmacist to ensure you are OK to drive.

Bottom line is if you’re taking drugs, don’t get behind the wheel.