GARDAÍ WILL BE able to take blood samples from drivers injured in crashes from today, as tight new road safety laws come into effect.
The laws will also see gardaí implementing new roadside drug impairment tests.
The laws will close a loophole that allowed drunk drivers avoid testing if they were unconscious or claimed to be injured.
Medical staff will now be able to take samples from people who are otherwise unable to provide them.
The driver will have to consent to the issuing of a certificate with the results once they regain the ability to do so.
Refusal will be an offence punishable by penalty points or disqualification.
Under the new laws, gardaí can also perform roadside tests to see if a person is under the influence of drugs.
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