Pubdate: Mon, 18 Apr 2005
Source: Border Mail (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Border Mail
Contact:  http://www.bordermail.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1017
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

DRUGS IN SOCIETY ARE BIG CONCERN

THE first results from Victoria's new roadside drug testing program have 
confirmed what many people believe that there are many drivers who venture 
out on the road under the influence of illegal drugs.

The drug testing program got off to an inauspicious start when a driver 
identified as having failed an initial test was later found not to have a 
case to answer.

But to its credit the Victorian Government stuck to its guns and the result 
shows that the drug buses are catching offenders at a much higher rate than 
the booze buses looking for drivers who have been drinking alcohol.

That one in every 73 drivers tested by the drug bus has provided a positive 
result to drugs shows that the drug testing is effective and that those who 
use so-called recreational drugs have no qualms about driving probably in 
the belief they would not be caught.

The testing program has shown the problem is real and that it has the 
potential to get these menaces off the road.

It is now up to the Victorian Government to step up the testing program and 
for the other States to follow suit without delay.

The drug-driving problem is too great to be ignored any longer.

DRUGS have become part and parcel of our society and perhaps in some ways 
the public has a blase attitude and general acceptance of them.

But the comments by two magistrates working in North East courts should act 
as a warning about the growing drug use by a large proportion of the 
population.

It has been suggested that cannabis has a minimal impact on its users.

Not so, say the magistrates, and they are well versed to speak on the subject.

They see first-hand the impact of drugs, in particular cannabis and 
amphetamine, on society.

Magistrate Mr John Murphy describes cannabis as “a nightmare for 
parents and frightening”.

Mr Murphys colleague, Mr Peter Couzens, similarly cites violence as a trait 
associated with users.

It is hoped that youngsters, or even older people, considering a flirtation 
with drugs take some heed of the learned comments from the magistrates.

Drug use almost always leads to a road of misery.
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MAP posted-by: Beth