New Drug- Driving proposals revealed by government – be prepared!
A zero tolerance approach has been adopted for eight controlled drugs which are known to impair driving. They are:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Benzoylecgonine
- LSD
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Ketamine
- Methamphetamine
- 6-MAM (Heroin/Diamorphine)
There is already an offence of driving whilst impaired through drink or drugs, in section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.In order to prove that an offence under section 4 has been committed, it is necessary to show that the accused person was driving, attempting to drive or in charge of a vehicle; the accused person was impaired so as to be unfit to drive; and the impairment was caused by drugs.
However, from March 2015, the law will change and the Police will simply have to show that the individual has taken drugs and was either driving, attempting to drive or in charge of a vehicle. The Police will also be able to take up to three saliva tests for drugs at the roadside to identify any drugs used. If any of these are non-negative, then the motorist could be taken back to a Police station for a blood test which will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are you ready for the changes? It is important that your managers and supervisors are fully equipped to uphold the terms of your company’s Drugs and Alcohol policy at all times. It is important that the employees understand what the policy covers, the dangers and legal consequences of operating a vehicle while under the influence of controlled substances and/or alcohol, as well as their rights and responsibilities