Drug Driving High
A recent study by the Victorian Police has found that drug drivers are linked to more crashes than drink driving.
One in 67 drug tested drivers was found to be affected by illicit drugs this is eight times higher than alcohol testing.
The main illicit drugs disclosed in the tests were cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy.
There is a strong link between drugs and single vehicle accidents.
Two out of three drug drivers with cannabis in their system were responsible for the crash. If cannabis was used with another drug like alcohol the responsibility for the crash increased to 90 per cent.
More than nine out of ten drivers affected by ICE (methamphetamines) were responsible for accidents.
(Source: Australian College for Emergency Medicine conference 19 November 2009)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
This warning by police about drug driving being more of a crash risk needs to be taken seriously.
Drugged drivers are likely to cause road trauma to other drivers and passengers.
Drugged drivers when tested need to be diverted into a rehabilitation program to eliminate the risk of more crashes.
Warnings, fines and education programs are not working in deterring illicit drug users from driving and putting others at risk.
The study revealed that many drug drivers had driven within one hour of using cannabis.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
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.
43/2009
