Statistics from the first Victorian drug driving testing program shows an increase in drivers affected by amphetamines and cannabis.
Fifteen per cent of drivers killed in road accidents tested positive to cannabis and eight per cent to stimulants like amphetamines.
These figures have tripled since 2003.
One in fifty drivers randomly tested were found to have illicit drugs in their system.
Heroin overdose deaths have increased with 80 in Victoria so far this year compared to 72 in all of 2007.
(Source: Melbourne Herald Sun 31 August 2008)
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia comments-
The statistics in Victoria of increasing incidence of driving under the influence of illicit drugs would be similar in other states and territories.
The statistics of increasing heroin overdoses and deaths bear out the warnings given by the Australian Federal Police and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime that the record heroin production in Afghanistan will affect Australia.
Illicit drug driving is a preventable community problem.
Australia NEEDS a comprehensive NATIONAL early intervention prevention and rehabilitation system that REDUCES drug driving.
Australian court ordered and supervised detoxification and rehabilitation programs are now ESSENTIAL.
Australia NEEDS a clear commitment to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and the number of illicit drug users to reduce the increasing use of drugs by drivers.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
31/2008