Greece Plans Roadside Drug Tests for Drivers

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The news in Greek

1. αρχή  (f.)
   οργανωμένο σύνολο ανθρώπων που έχει την ευθύνη να διοικεί ή να ελέγχει κάτι σε μια περιοχή ↩︎
2. έλεγχος  (m.)
   η πράξη με την οποία εξετάζουμε κάτι προσεκτικά για να δούμε αν είναι σωστό, ασφαλές ή όπως πρέπει ↩︎
3. αλλαγή  (f.)
   το γεγονός ότι κάτι γίνεται διαφορετικό από πριν ↩︎
4. τροχαίο  (n.)
   ατύχημα που γίνεται στον δρόμο με αυτοκίνητο, μηχανή κτλ. ↩︎
5. συσκευή  (f.)
   μηχάνημα ή εργαλείο που κάνει μια συγκεκριμένη δουλειά ↩︎
6. σάλιο  (n.)
   υγρό που υπάρχει μέσα στο στόμα και βοηθά στο μάσημα και στην κατάποση της τροφής ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: What kind of sample will the police use to test drivers for drugs?

Question 2: Why did the Greek authorities decide to start drug tests for drivers?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
αρχή  (f.)	authorities
έλεγχος  (m.)	inspection / control / check
αλλαγή  (f.)	change
τροχαίο  (n.)	traffic accident
συσκευή  (f.)	device / appliance
σάλιο  (n.)	saliva

Read the full story

The Greek authorities are preparing to introduce roadside drug tests for drivers, alongside the alcohol breath tests that are already widely used. The move follows continuing concern about road safety in the Attica region, where serious accidents linked to alcohol and possibly drugs still occur despite tougher fines and recent changes to the Highway Code.

According to Greek media reports, the latest debate was prompted by a fatal crash in the area of Loutsa. In that incident, a 29‑year‑old driver lost control of his vehicle and hit a family. A 24‑year‑old man died instantly, and three other people were seriously injured. Initial test results reported by the television station MEGA indicated that the driver had consumed alcohol. Official toxicology tests are still awaited to determine whether he had also taken illegal drugs.

In response, the Ministry for Citizen Protection and the Greek Police (EL.AS.) are examining the introduction of special drug‑detection devices for use by the traffic police. Up to now, officers could only carry out alcohol tests at the roadside, meaning that drivers under the influence of drugs might not be detected unless further medical checks were ordered.

Under the emerging plan, traffic police will be able to carry out the new tests at roadside checkpoints. The tests will be used on drivers who are stopped during routine controls and who, according to the reports, raise suspicions for the officers. The procedure will involve a saliva sample, taken with a swab similar to a cotton bud. The devices are designed to identify substances such as cocaine, heroin and cannabis (hashish).

If the roadside screening test shows a positive result, the driver will then be required to undergo a blood test to confirm the finding. This second stage aims to provide legally reliable evidence if a case goes to court. The authorities have not yet announced detailed timelines, but Greek media note that the decision to adopt these tests was taken some time ago and that the country now appears to be moving closer to practical implementation.

Officials and commentators presenting the measure describe it as part of a broader effort to reduce traffic accidents linked to alcohol and drugs and to improve safety on Greek roads. While there is public discussion about how strictly and fairly the new system will be enforced, the current reports from different news outlets agree that the main goal is to strengthen roadside controls and close the gap that previously allowed drug‑impaired driving to go largely undetected.

Info: “Greek Learner News” is a service from “Let’s Learn Greek”, a language school offering online courses in Greek, including Greek for beginners, as well as classes for more advanced learners.