2023-11-07 06:11:00
Like blood alcohol tests, checks for drug consumption while driving are now systematic after an accident from today, according to an initiative by the Ministers of Mobility, Georges Gilkinet, and of Justice, Paul Van Tigchelt.
One in 20 drivers admit to having already driven under the influence of drugs. The phenomenon is more significant among young drivers, one in seven of whom has already driven after consuming illicit substances.
Depending on the type and quantity of drugs consumed, the risk of being involved in an accident can be up to 30 times higher compared to a sober person behind the wheel. “The persistence of these dangerous driving behaviors is intolerable, given the too many road deaths each year in Belgium. This is why we are implementing new initiatives to strengthen the fight against driving under the influence.“, explains the office of the Minister of Mobility.
From now on, the perpetrator of a road accident will be subject to a three-step drug check: a standardized checklist of around thirty indicators to assess whether recent drug use is suspected, followed by a saliva test to detect the presence of illicit substances and finally, a blood test to confirm narcotic consumption.
In addition to immediate confiscation of the driving license if the result of the saliva test is positive, the driver is exposed to disqualification from driving, a heavy fine and, in the most serious cases, a prison sentence.
drug police
1699341517
#drugdriving #control #procedure #force #today #heres #works