Roadside vans await drug and drink drivers

[Oz]

Thousands of drivers will be tested for drugs and alcohol at roadside vans across NSW as part of an annual nationwide crackdown as the Christmas party season gets under way.

 

Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) began at 0001 (AEDT) on Friday and will continue until just before midnight on Sunday, December 12.

 

Police are calling it Australia and New Zealand's biggest crackdown operation.

 

"The proactive operation is timed to coincide with the festive season which traditionally sees an increase in the consumption of alcohol and illicit substances," said NSW Police Minister Michael Daley.

 

"It astounds me that there are those out there who think they won't be caught, or that they're okay to drive."

 

Mr Daley said NSW police conducted more than four million breath tests a year.

 

"Despite the number of tests, despite the constant warnings, and operations such as RAID, more than 26,900 motorists were caught drink driving in NSW," he said.

 

Police in NSW were in 2006 given the power to test for illegal drugs, such as ecstasy, cannabis, ice and speed.

 

"The NSW government has provided the police force with roadside drug-testing vans that allow them to crack down on motorists who flout the law," Mr Daley said.

 

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner John Hartley warned motorists who take the wheel when intoxicated would have nowhere to hide.

 

"If you have taken drugs, or you are drinking and driving, you will be targeted," he said in a statement on Friday.

 

More than 5000 motorists were charged with drink-driving offences around the country during Operation RAID last year.

 

Asst Comm Hartley said 393 people had died on NSW roads this year, with statistics showing alcohol played a factor in about a quarter of fatal crashes.

Author: AAP

Date: 26/11/2010

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Copyright: © 2010 AAP, © 2010 Fairfax Media

[smashed1]

the fuks want be getting ME i dont have a car i feel sorry 4 every one how has to drive but !!!!!

[Rocker]

There are millions of people and stuff all vans. It's all bluff in the main.

Just use the smarts and you be okay.

[farmermatt]

Regardless of however many vans they actually have it's just common sense not to drink or get stoned and drive, regardless of the chances of you actually being part of an accident. The consequences are too high. They should be doing this is Victoria- I'd rather they pick up any impaired drivers if it meant I had a better chance of getting home for Chrissy lunch in one piece.

[brick]

Regardless of however many vans they actually have it's just common sense not to drink or get stoned and drive, regardless of the chances of you actually being part of an accident. The consequences are too high. They should be doing this is Victoria- I'd rather they pick up any impaired drivers if it meant I had a better chance of getting home for Chrissy lunch in one piece.

 

They are doing it Vic. from yesterday.

[highbreed]

people should never be driving under the influence of any substance ...I have never heard of anyone being pulled over for a RDT??If the cops started doing this regularly I reckon there would be cars piled up on the side of the road and half if not more of the workforce would'nt be arriving at work