Gardai have been given additional powers to test drivers who they suspect are driving under the influence of drugs (DUID).

Suspects will now be subject to Roadside Impairment Testing (RIT), which includes five impairment tests that will take place at the roadside:
-Pupil dilation test
-Balance test
-Walk and turn test
-Standing on one leg test
-Putting a finger to the nose test.

"While DUID has been a statutory offence in Ireland since the Road Traffic Act 1961, I believe the introduction of RIT will strengthen the hand of the Gardaí to tackle the issue of drug driving. It will be a useful indicator as to whether a person is ‘incapable of having proper control of the vehicle' and whether that incapability might be due to the presence of an intoxicant such as drugs," commented the Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe.

He also announced the introduction of a procedure which will make it possible for a blood sample to be taken from a driver who is incapacitated, for example, if they are unconscious following a serious accident, and test that specimen for intoxicants.

"The driver will be asked, on regaining capacity, whether they consent to the issuing of a certificate of the test result on the specimen. Refusal will be an offence," the Minister noted.

These new powers were announced at the launch of the Road Safety Authority and Gardai's annual Christmas and New Year Road Safety Campaign. Speaking at the launch, Prof Denis Cusack, director of the Medical Bureau for Road Safety pointed out that of the 10,498 specimens of blood and urine tested between 2007 and 2013, 7,199 were positive for drugs other than alcohol.

"Cannabis followed by benzodiazepines were the most prevalent drugs detected," he noted.

However, Prof Cusack insisted that people who are taking over the counter or prescription medicines ‘have nothing to fear' as long as they are taking the medication as directed by their doctor or pharmacist ‘and heed their advice in relation to driving'.

Also speaking at the launch, Garda Commissioner, Noirin O'Sullivan, insisted that these new tests ‘will save lives'.

"Over the last decade, we have seen that similar measures such as reducing the alcohol limit and the introduction of penalty points have helped reduce the number of road deaths. We believe these new regulations will do the same and we will be rigorously enforcing them," she said.

Up until November 27 of this year, 179 people had been killed in road traffic accidents, compared to 172 deaths during the same period last year. These include 76 drivers, 36 passengers and 35 pedestrians.

To watch the new ad aimed at raising awareness of RIT, click here