Dramatic increase in cocaine and cannabis detection among drivers
There has been a dramatic increase in the detection of both cocaine and cannabis among Irish drivers suspected of driving under the influence, according to research.
The research is from the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Medical Bureau of Road Safety at University College Dublin.
Researchers analysed toxicology data that was collected by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety between 2012 and 2020.
The most commonly detected drug in this period was cannabis, but by 2018, cocaine had overtaken benzodiazepines to become the second most commonly detected drug.
Over 9,000 drivers underwent toxicological analysis by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety between 2012 and 2018, and cannabis was detected in almost half of those cases.
Cocaine was detected in 16.5% of cases, but researchers found a 21% year-on-year increase in cocaine detection.
Lead author of the study, Dr Louise Durand, said: “This research shows not only a significant rise in cocaine and cannabis detections but also that people driving after using drugs are not a homogenous group. Understanding these patterns is crucial for shaping more effective, targeted prevention, enforcement and public health strategies.”
Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, said: “Driving under the influence of drugs is a major risk factor for serious and fatal road traffic collisions. The data clearly illustrate changing patterns of drug use on Irish roads.
“These findings will help inform more focused interventions, including medical support and rehabilitation for certain categories of drivers, that aim to reduce harm and improve road safety for everyone.”
The RCSI say has that this research can have significant implications for road safety enforcement and public health policy. Helping to identify the most commonly detected drugs and the profiles of individuals found driving under the influence.
This can aid the development of education and harm-reduction strategies on Irish roads.