This Is The Most Common Drug Detected In Irish Drivers

The most commonly detected drug found in the systems of Irish drivers has been revealed by Gardai - and it's cannabis.

The Medical Bureau for Road Safety found that from the 3,020 specimens of blood and urine that it received in 2016, 24% confirmed positive for drugs that weren't alcohol.

91% of these specimens were from male drivers, who were mostly aged 17-44.

Cannabis was the most common drug detected, followed by benzodiazepines (eg.valium).

Gardai and Road Safety Authority launched their new drug testing regime for drivers today, and The Journal reported that Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said the new roadside drug tests would allow to police force to further tackle “the serious issue of drug driving”.

Speaking at an event atStore Street Garda Station in Dublin city centre, Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said the new roadside tests would enable the force to tackle what he described as “the serious issue of drug driving”.

“Over time up to 150 devices will be available for use at the roadside. While the test will take longer to conduct than the roadside test for alcohol, the test is easy to carry out and within minutes will tell if a driver has drugs in their system" he said.

The new drug tests involve taking a sample of a driver’s saliva to check for any evidence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines.