The number of traffic offences in the first four months of 2022 are up 80% on last year.
A garda chief superintendent in the midlands is raising concern at how socially acceptable taking drugs has become.
At the latest meeting of the Laois Joint Policing Committee, Chief Superintendent for the Laois Offaly Division, John Scanlan also disclosed the number of traffic offences in the first quarter of this year has risen by 80% from the same time last year.
Chief Supt. Scanlan revealed in a motorway checkpoint two weeks ago, over half of motorists - six of the 13 - stopped tested positive for drug use.
Cases of intoxicated driving are up from 25 to 30.
Traffic collisions with material damage only are up from 104 to 213, while collisions featuring a non-serious injury are up from nine to 19.
The total number of traffic offences are up from 144 to 265, which is an increase of 84%.
Chief Superintendent Scanlon blamed the increase in traffic offences on the reopening of the economy following the pandemic, while also noting there is a growing trend of motorists driving while under the influence of drugs.
"A disturbing trend within the traffic figures is that we are seeing a lot of people intoxicated due to consuming drugs," said Chief Supt Scanlan.
Portlaoise Counicllor Caroline Dwane Stanley asked at the meeting if he had noticed an increase in the use of cocaine.
"I know from talking to people in the community, the evidence is there anecdotally that it's awash in the nightlife industry, it's equivalent to going up the town for a drink," she said.
"It is quite concerning that it has become socially acceptable," said Chief Supt. Scanlan, going on to say that "drugs are doing untold damage to the fabric of our society".
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