Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which drug abuse is deemed to be a contributory factor in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/02]
Written Answers. - Road Traffic Accidents.
Statistics regarding the total number of road accidents are published by the National Roads Authority in their annual Road Accident Facts reports. The reports, which are compiled from information supplied by the Garda Síochána, are available in the Library. The latest year for which figures are available is 2000. These reports however do not include details of accidents in which drugs were a contributory factor.
The Government Strategy on Road Safety, 1998-2002, recognises that the influence of drugs on driving behaviour is an issue of increasing concern. Identification of the presence of drugs is however more complex than for alcohol. Consequently, considerably more work is needed to develop a more detailed regulatory regime in relation to drugs and driving. A number of research programmes are being carried out internationally in this area and the Strategy commits the Government to monitoring and assessing these developments.
In order to advance research in relation to drugs and driving in Ireland, my Department has pledged an additional €253,948 to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety – MBRS – over 2000 and 2001 for a two-year programme of drug analysis of blood and urine specimens.
The analysis of 2000 specimens for the presence of drugs by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety was completed in 2001. The preliminary findings of the survey showed that 37% of samples screened were positive for drugs. The extensive survey conducted during 2000 and 2001 will identify true trends in the types of drugs being taken, their combination with alcohol and the extent of poly-drug use. The confirmation analysis of specimens will continue into 2002 and the data collection and report is scheduled for publication towards the end of 2002.
These early findings underline the Government's view expressed in the Road Safety Strategy that drugs and driving is an issue of growing concern. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, the research programme when completed will, along with other international analysis and research in this area, inform the need for possible changes in testing methods for the presence of drugs, changes in enforcement practice and procedures and possibly changes to existing legislation.
Question No. 146 answered with Question No. 114.