drivers to give blood or urine tests.

Officers will soon be allowed to drive some suspects straight to hospital so their blood or urine can be tested for alcohol or dangerous drugs.

But that will only apply to drivers involved in accidents which have caused death or serious injury.

The new law, laid before the House of Assembly yesterday, also allows Police to obtain Magistrates' orders to test for alcohol in blood or urine.

Motorists stopped by routine patrols will be forced to submit to tests if it is believed they have been driving drunk in the previous 12 hours.

Government tabled the Bill -- The Road Traffic Amendment Act 1997 -- in Parliament yesterday.