One in 50 Victorians drugged drivers

[Tom]

One in 50 Victorian drivers tested positive for drug use, according to police, five times the rate of motorists found to be driving drunk.

 

Victoria Police announced that 10,546 drivers had been tested for drug use since new roadside testing was rolled out in December last year.

 

Acting Deputy Commissioner Noel Ashby said 213 drivers had revealed signs of recent methamphetamine or cannabis use, and the high rate of drugged-driving rate was a concern.

 

The rate of motorists caught out by breath tests for alcohol is one in every 250 drivers in Victoria.

 

 

 

"Not only is using illicit drugs illegal, but those who use drugs and then get behind the wheel are a real danger on the roads," Mr Ashby said.

 

"Police are out there and will be doing what they can to get drug-affected drivers off the road and increase safety."

 

An examination of the figures shows:

 

* Of the 213 drivers found with drugs in their system, 152 tested positive for methamphetamine with a further 52 showing signs of this drug plus cannabis.

 

* Nine motorists tested positive for cannabis alone.

 

* About 70 per cent of the motorists tested were driving cars with the remaining 30 per cent in trucks.

 

* The rate of drug use among truck drivers was one in every 63 tested.

 

Mr Ashby said a further 26 possibly drugged drivers were caught in a recent targeted operation, but a second laboratory test was needed before they could be added to the statistics.

 

Motorists who return positive lab tests for cannabis or methamphetamines are fined $307 and lose three demerit points, or are prosecuted in court.

 

If the offence progresses to court, the maximum penalty for a first offence is $614 and three months' license cancellation.

 

Following convictions can result in fines of up to $1,227 and up to six months' license cancellation.

 

Author:AAP

Date:Wednesday Oct 5

Source:ninemsn.com.au

Copyright:©AAP 2005