Drug drivers are firmly in the sights of police.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This week, during a national day of action, south-west police put 12 drivers through a roadside drug test in the space of a few hours. Four were positive. During the same period, they tested 100 drivers for alcohol, none were beyond the legal limit.
Drug-impaired drivers are fast overtaking booze-fuelled offenders on our roads.
The trend is alarming to say the least.
Police have revealed drug drivers are not necessarily young. The four detected earlier this week were aged between 27 and 50. Old enough to know better, we hear you say.
The dangers of drink-driving are well documented and etched in our minds from a host of graphic Transport Accident Commission campaigns over the years.
It's time for drug-related campaigns. Far too many people get behind the wheel with illicit drugs in their systems. Our court reporters hear it time and again "I didn't think it would still be in my system" or "I thought I was fine to drive".
The fact is, illicit drugs in your system negatively impact your decisions and reactions.
Education is the key. Prevention is better than a cure. Much is being done in schools to educate future generations of drivers of the dangers of drugs and their impact on controlling vehicles. But how does the message get through to those already playing Russian roulette on the roads?
Every time a person tests positive to drug-driving, have they thought about what damage they could have done? Law-abiding drivers going about their daily business could be maimed or killed in a split second. The consequences are frightening, yet people make the choice to drug drive.
Time and again we have highlighted the frustrations of local magistrates who are prevented from jailing drivers who test positive to roadside drug tests. The law says those charged with higher burden of proof charges like driving under the influence, driving while impaired, and combined drink and drug driving can be jailed for three to 18 months. Testing positive is not enough on its own, which seems out of step with community views.