Police are warning road users of the dangers of drug driving with recent random drug testing (RDT) results in rural NSW revealing one in every six drivers testing positive.
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According to Sergeant Matt Carroll from Griffith Highway Patrol most people who were caught had taken drugs one or two days earlier, not realising the lingering effects.
“They might not feel impaired but it’s still in their oral fluid,” Sgt Carroll said.
“It’s become an ever-increasing problem with society and drivers on the road today. Technology has enabled us to test these drivers and take them off the road for 24 hours pending further lab analysis.”
While random breath testing for alcohol across NSW had an arrest rate of one for every 288 tests, the number of arrests for positive drug testing in rural NSW was one in six.
Deputy commissioner Catherine Burn said it was a shocking revelation that should concern not only drivers and passengers, but their families and other road users.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of people returning positive random drug testing results. In 2013 one in 47 tests were positive, compared to one in 25 last year.”
Of grave concern were the statistics of the random drug tests conducted so far this year which showed:
- 46 per cent tested positive to ice
- Five per cent tested positive to ecstasy
- 72 per cent tested positive to marijuana
Collectively, 1900 RDTs were conducted with 314 roadside positives.
Across NSW, officers have conducted 31,617 random drug tests, resulting in 2452 positive results, or one in thirteen.
Assistant commissioner Hartley, commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, said those using drugs and driving needed to know drugs impact reactions, give a false sense of confidence and reduce a driver’s ability to respond to situations.
“Combining alcohol and opiates multiplies the depressant effects of both drugs, even if only small quantities are used. You will feel drowsy, uncoordinated and be more at risk of falling asleep at the wheel,” Assistant commissioner Hartley said. “With an expected 55,000 tests to be completed this year, which will increase in the years ahead, now is the time for those drivers to get help, as opposed to putting others at risk on our roads.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant said the NSW Government had committed $4.5 million to provide police with more state-of-the-art technology and resources to test for illicit drugs.
“Police are catching more people using drugs while behind the wheel,” Mr Grant said. “Advancements in technology are providing better detection of illicit drug use by drivers.”
