New drug driving test nets 96 in four weeks
Nearly 100 drivers have been caught in the first four weeks of Scotland’s new roadside drug driving tests, Police Scotland announced today.
News of the 96 positive tests up to 18 November came as the force joined justice secretary Humza Yousaf to launch the annual festive drink/drug driving campaign, which starts on Sunday.
Deputy head of road policing Superintendent Louise Blakelock described the figure as “disappointing”.
All but six were male, aged from 17 to 50. The women were aged between 23 and 42.
Mouth swabs are used to test for the eight most commonly taken illegal drugs, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine.
Mr Yousaf said: “Driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is totally unacceptable and puts not only the driver, but passengers and other road users, at risk of serious injury or even death. The new drug-driving law and Scotland’s low driver-alcohol limit are focused on making our roads safer for everyone.”