Omission of drugs-driving from EC road safety action plan a concern for TISPOL

Although welcoming the publication of the European Commission’s new road safety program – in which it sets a new target of cutting deaths on Europe’s roads by a half over the course of 10 years – TISPOL (Europe’s Traffic Police Network) sees the omission of any mention of drugs driving as a serious missed opportunity. “I am disappointed that the issue of drugs driving is not specifically included as a priority in the program, as it is a major issue across Europe,” commented TISPOL president, Javier Sanchez Ferragut. “As representatives of the enforcement community, we stressed to the EC the importance of including drugs driving in its program, because we know this is a growing cause of death and serious injury on the roads in many European countries.

Right: TISPOL president, Javier Sanchez Ferragut

“We are pleased that the Commission recognizes the importance of enforcement in their new plan,” Sanchez Ferragut continued. “It is due to continued enforcement supported by effective education, particularly of the three main killers (excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, drink- and drug-driving), that so much progress has been made in reducing deaths and serious injuries on Europe’s roads. However, there are still more than 35,000 people dying each year, and TISPOL believes sustained enforcement of the three main killers is a fundamental part of bringing down this figure by half in the decade to come.

“We also welcome the Commission’s commitment to prioritize the adoption of legally binding measures on the cross-border exchange of information in the field of road safety, to allow for the identification and sanctioning of foreign offenders for seatbelts, speed, alcohol and traffic light offences,” TISPOL’s president added. “We have long recognized this topic as a priority, to deter those road users who visit other countries and ignore traffic laws because they see themselves as beyond punishment. We know that effective cross-border enforcement will make a significant contribution to saving lives on Europe’s roads.”

“Enforcement is a key measure and it has been proved beyond doubt that effective enforcement saves lives, especially when it supports an effective education campaign,” the Spaniard concluded. “TISPOL will use its extensive experience to support and encourage countries across Europe achieve the objectives set out in the plan.”
 

21 July 2010