IF IT SAVES A LIFE, IT’S WELCOME
A MOTHER whose son was killed by a driver under the influence of drugs and alcohol has welcomed plans for the introduction of roadside drug-testing kits.
Christina Donnelly’s son Brendan, 24, and his friend, were killed in a crash caused by Anthony Long after he consumed 23 drinks and cocaine. Ms Donnelly is also campaigning for changes in the law. She would like to see an automatic driving ban for those who fail an alcohol breathalyser or drugs test following a fatal accident.
Ms Donnelly told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘In relation to drug-driving, any testing that is going to save a life and deter drivers from getting behind the wheel is welcome.
‘But it must go hand in hand with tougher sentencing in this country. We’re losing so many people on the roads.’
She added: ‘My son’s life was snatched away. People who drink or take drugs and then drive can never understand the pain they cause.’ Ms Donnelly is due to meet Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe in September as part of her campaign for tougher penalties for drink and drug drivers. She is also seeking mandatory sentencing of six to nine years for drivers under the influence involved in fatal accidents. Her 24-year-old son and Lee Salkeld, 26, died in October 2009 when their car was hit by a Ford Mondeo being driven by Long. They were on their way from Waterford to Cork.
A year after the crash, Long was jailed for five years and disqualified from driving for 15 years.