Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Dear residents,

This a reminder to all motorists of the serious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The biggest risk motorists take when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the risk of causing a collision.

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect motorist driving in numerous ways such as:

·  Ability to judge speed and distance

·  Reaction and coordination skills

·  Blurry or impaired vision

·  Drowsiness

·  Aggression

·  Erratic behaviour

·  Dizziness 

·  Nausea

And the list is endless

The police can stop you at any time and ask you to take a breath test (‘breathalyse’ you) if:

If you refuse to take a breath test, or fail to supply a sample of breath and don't have a ‘reasonable excuse’, you can be arrested. A reasonable excuse could be a genuine physical or mental condition stopping you from giving a sample; in this case you may be required to have a blood test.

The breath test gives a result straight away. If it shows you’re not over the drink drive limit, you may be allowed to go.

If you fail the breath test, you’ll be taken to a police station and given a final breath test. If it’s positive, you'll be charged.

The police can stop you and conduct a roadside screening test or a field impairment test, both of which may result in your arrest if:

Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs – including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin – at a police station.

Even if you pass the roadside check you may still be arrested if the police suspect that your driving is impaired by drugs and you can be taken to a police station for further tests.

We urge everyone to make responsible choices.