Driving under the influence of drugs
Any responsible driving instructor in Bedford would welcome the strategy of targeting Drugged Drivers. National statistics show that one in five people who die in road traffic accidents, have traces of illegal drugs in their system. It’s quite easy to tell if a person has been drinking alcohol. The smell is quite reason enough to be suspicious, but how could you tell if a learner driver or any driver for that matter is under the influence of drugs? There is no road side test for Cannabis, Heroin, LSD or Cocaine. And its not only illagal drugs we need to be on the lookout for. Even precription medication such as minor tranquilzers, pain killers, anti-depressants and even cough medicine can cause side effects which could be potentially lethal if a driver is affected.
The sight of drivers standing at the side of the road on one leg will become more common this summer as police crack down on drug-driving. Officers will target motorists whose driving is impaired because of the effects of illegal or prescription drugs, as well as alcohol. Senior officers say drug-driving is a growing problem and can be as dangerous as driving after too much alcohol. Patrols will be using common sense tests to determine if a driver is under the influence of drugs. These include asking the individual to stand on one leg, to walk in a straight line and to place a finger accurately on their nose. Drivers who refuse to undertake the procedure, known as a Field Impairment Test, can be arrested.
For the driving Instructor, commen sense prevails. Clearly we are not going to ask the pupil to do a “field impairment test“, but we can make similar judgments. Can they buckle their seat belt correctly, get the key in the ignition lock, adjust the mirrors correctly? If a learner driver is behaving out of character, then be aware. Are they excited and talking rapidly. Do they have a fine tremor. Are thier pupils dilated. Are they irritable? All possible signs of stimulant use such as Cocaine. Or Do they seem un-coordinated, over relaxed, exhibit impaired judgement of time? Possible side effects of Cannabis use.
My only question about this “targeted” strategy is, “Why now”? Surley this is a problem which might manifest itself at any time of the year. The police may take the view that they will only be on the look out for this at this time of year, but as responsible Driving Instructors, giving driving lessons at all times, we need to be on the watch out for this 52 weeks of the year, not just in the summer months!
Paul Burchell. BADDIA.
