VIOLENT DRUG DRIVING
Recent research has shown a link between illicit drug use and aggressive, dangerous driving and high speed police pursuits.
Illicit drug use that produces violence like amphetamines and ICE are most likely to be involved.
One in three drug drivers reported using amphetamines and ICE then driving during the previous 12 months.
Four out of ten drug drivers reported using cannabis then driving during the previous 12 months.
A substantial number of drug drivers were under the mistaken belief that illicit drugs never had an effect on their driving.
Most illicit drug affected drivers involved in violent and aggressive driving were males.
(Source: Drug Driving Among Police Detainees in Australia, Australian Institute of Criminology, June 2008)
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia comments-
This Australia wide study confirms that violent and aggressive driving that is likely to lead to accidents and police pursuits is linked to illicit drugs that produce violence and impair driving skills.
These drug affected drivers do not understand the impact that the illicit drugs are having on them.
Drug affected drivers detained by police after violent driving should be ordered by courts into detoxification and rehabilitation.
Australian courts should supervise drug drivers during detoxification and rehabilitation to ensure drivers become drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification and rehabilitation programs to divert drug drivers away from drug use is worlds best practice in reducing drug induced road trauma.
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. 34/2008