A total of sixty people were caught driving under the influence of illegal substances on the roads of Iceland during the month of June. The figures mean that the police, using new technology which detects? the? presence of illegal substances, caught an average of two offenders a day.
The Road Traffic Directorate’s information officer, Einar Magnús Magnússon, explained to Morgunbladid that; “The police now have much more powerful equipment to? detect for drugs in drivers and surveillance has also been tightened.”
A total of 210 offenders have been caught by police since January 2006. “The new traffic regulations have no room for leniancy. If someone is caught driving under the influence of illegal substances he or she loses his license no matter what,” said Magnússon.
Driving under the influence of illegal substances is a serious offence in Iceland. Last year it was the cause of 14 traffic-related fatalities.
“Fortunately the police have the ability to put an end to this? dreadful situation. People thought it was easier to get away with driving under the influence of drugs than under the influence of alcohol, but with modern technology? it can be determined at the scene,” Magnússon said.