DONEGAL gardaí are reminding drivers that drug and alcohol tests will be conducted at checkpoints around the county this bank holiday weekend, as part of An Garda Síochána’s Bank Holiday Road Safety plan.
Starting today, drivers involved in serious crashes will face mandatory drug testing.
Minister Jack Chambers insists drug driving is “reckless” and says this new measure addresses a concerning trend of people driving under the influence of drugs. There have been a number of such cases in Donegal recently.
Gardaí now have the power to detain a driver for 30 minutes while awaiting the drug test result, closing a loophole where suspects could leave before the test.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) says the bank holiday weekend marks the beginning of a high-risk period for motorcyclists. The agency says 10 of the 79 road fatalities so far this year were motorcyclists, the same number as last year at this time.
The RSA is asking motorists to be extra vigilant, especially at junctions, noting that a second glance can save a life.
Most motorcycle fatalities and serious injuries occur in June. The main factors in fatal accidents are overtaking and losing control of the motorcycle. The RSA is asking all drivers to watch their speed.
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