# Tempers flare over roadside drug tests - Noosa Journal

[Guest]

THERE was high drama roadside when police launched a major drug and drink-driving clampdown in Noosa last weekend.

Officers conducted 1730 random breath tests and tested 140 drivers for drugs during a three-day operation, which resulted in seven arrests for drug driving and possession charges and 14 cases of drink driving.

Intended to be a peaceful exercise tempers flared as some drivers tested positive for drugs.

One man hurled abuse at police for having to wait 15 minutes for the test results to come back, while a couple in their 20s got into a roadside row after the driver returned a positive test in an unroadworthy car.

Local officer in charge of the operation, Sergeant John Delandles, said the behaviour was not unusual.

``It’s a sad truth that some drivers are more miffed about being caught than concerned about their dangerous behaviour,†he said.

``We test for traces of cannabis, ecstasy and amphetamine, which can stay in your system for anywhere from three days to a week after people have used them.

``People will argue that because they may have used it a day or two ago it’s unfair that they are charged. The fact is no one should have it in their system at all, and they certainly shouldn’t be driving a vehicle with these substances in their system.â€

The officers pulled over all vehicles to enter their testing zone.

 

Date: 20/05/2011

Author: BROOKE HARGRAVES

Source: The Noosa Journal

Copyright: © 2011 News Community Media

[buzz lighthead]

So according to the officer in charge, noone should ever take drugs. (perfect world stuff) and if I DO have a smoke the safe thing to do is wait three days to a week before driving?

Are we not entitled to feel an invasion of privacy has occurred when tested for drugs?

If you're clearly intoxicated or imapaired that's one thing, but someone who had consumed alcohol THAT DAY would never recieve such treatment.

Drug driver testing is fundamentally flawed

[everest]

7 arrests for drugs .. 14 for piss ? go da drugs ...

 

ev

[andrewb]

was in amsterdam a few weeks ago and asked my young tour guide whether police test for drug driving (cannabis) much in the netherlands, his responce didnt suprise me, was along the lines of

 

'there is almost no priorty put on it at all, as the are not enough accidents to warrant such measures and government funded research showed us that drivers slow down and take exhibit greater precautions while driving under the influence of cannabis.'

[Nooby]

People will argue that because they may have used it a day or two ago it’s unfair that they are charged. The fact is no one should have it in their system at all, and they certainly shouldn’t be driving a vehicle with these substances in their system.

 

Noooo, the FACT is that if people aren't under the influence of anything then are not a danger to other road users and therefore you should take your revenue raising and big brother intimidation tactics elsewhere.

[Tsigle]

I hate the generalization that all drugs seems to inhibit people. Cannabis has been known to "increase" awareness. And as stated previously, people high on THC drive more carefully and safely. I'm sure most accidents are caused by irritated drivers rushing, cannabis just makes you want to slow down and enjoy the drive causing you to feel less aggravated and less likely to do stupid shit like cut someone off at an intersection.

[Vape]

was in amsterdam a few weeks ago and asked my young tour guide whether police test for drug driving (cannabis) much in the netherlands, his responce didnt suprise me, was along the lines of

 

'there is almost no priorty put on it at all, as the are not enough accidents to warrant such measures and government funded research showed us that drivers slow down and take exhibit greater precautions while driving under the influence of cannabis.'

 

i agree with your tour guy, you drive with more attention, your not in any hurry, i know my driving whilst under the influence of cannabis, is much safer than other wise, and i dont mean im driving in a coma, same as driving under .05.

 

personally i think we should out law alcohol and legilize pot.. drink drivers kill lots of people every year.. ive never heard of a stoned driver doing the same..

 

id love to go to amsterdam sounds like heaven on earth...

[Psychonaut]

Just more zero tolerance generalization rubbish.

 

Wasnt there a study done in the UK that showed there is no evidence at all to support that driving is dangerous while under the influence of cannabis? The guy who did the report was also fired by the government at the time if I recall, that is what happens when you do not pull policy lines in government

 

So you can get done now if these so called tests find that you have used cannabis in the previous 3 days? All that suggests is that the test is seriously flawed, but who has the money to contest it and take it all the way? Would be nice to see someone stand up and do it, talk about trivial.

Edited June 7, 2011 by Psychonaut