Pubdate: Sun, 04 Jan 2009
Source: Herald Sun (Australia)
Copyright: 2009 Herald and Weekly Times
Contact: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/editorial/letter/
Website: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/187
Author: Anthony Dowsley

MORE THAN 300 DRIVERS TESTED POSITIVE FOR DRUGS IN 2008

Despite the result, police say it is an improvement since drug testing
began four years ago, with just one in 76 drivers detected with
illicit drugs in their system, down from one in 44.

Minister for the Transport Accident Commission Tim Holding said since
testing began in December 2004 more than 72,000 drivers had been drug
tested with 1200 drivers testing positive.

Of the 29,911 drivers tested last year, 327 tested positive to drugs. 
This compares to 369, or one in 59, in 2007.

"Driving on drugs is illegal, stupid and highly dangerous and these
figures show the campaign is having an effect," Mr Holding said.

"Driving under the influence of drugs is particularly dangerous
because it makes you less alert, impairs your vision, reduces your
coordination and prevents you from making the right decisions under
pressure."

Victoria Police Inspector Martin Boorman said police would continue to
target high risk road users and areas where drugs are taken.

"What is disappointing is that we are still catching drug drivers,''
he said.

"We will continue targeting drug drivers unti the message gets through
that drugs and driving are a deadly mix.''

Twenty per cent of drivers who are killed on Victoria's are found to
have illicit drugs in their system.

Drug testing tabs used by the force do not detect cocaine or heroin,
but blood and urine tests are taken from drivers who may be under the
affect of these drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin