O’Dowd welcomes ‘timely’ launch of new PSNI tool to detect drug-driving

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed the launch of a new tool to detect drivers under the influence of illegal substances.

The PSNI has officially launched the new roadside drug wipes, which will be used in addition to existing testing available for alcohol levels.

This month officers across Northern Ireland will be provided with devices, as part of a pilot programme, to help detect drivers using vehicles whilst under the influence of illegal substances.

In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on the North’s roads – the highest number of deaths for eight years. 

Forty six people have died following road traffic collisions in 2024. Sadly, six people have lost their lives on roads in the north since the beginning of September alone.

The Minister recently launched the Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 and the Road Safety Strategy Action Plan 2024/25, which includes a review of current drug-driving legislation. 

Minister O’Dowd said:

“The launch of this roadside drugs-test tool is timely.   

“In the North, the death rate on our roads is, on average, one per week. It’s a shocking statistic and the devastation every road death leaves in its wake knows no boundaries.

“In 2023, 11 people were killed in road traffic collisions where alcohol or drugs were attributed. 

“As road users we must do everything we can – both individually and collectively – to reduce road deaths.

“The addition of roadside drug detection to the PSNI tool kit to the fight against illegal road behaviours will hopefully make people think before driving under the influence of drugs.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The ‘Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030’ can be read here: Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030
2. The Department for Infrastructure’s ‘Share the Road to Zero’ campaign aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more responsibility and care on the roads. You can pledge to ‘Share the Road to Zero’ online Share the road to zero as an individual or an organisation. 
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure on LinkedIn at DfILinked

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