Take part in drugs survey, drivers urged
February 7, 2007 - 11:35PM
Motorists are urged to have their say in a national survey on community attitudes towards drugs and driving.
Information is limited on the prevalence of drug-driving, particularly in rural areas, but research last year found more than one in 10 drivers had driven after using recreational drugs.
Dr Jane Mallick, director of the Australian Drug Foundation's (ADF) Centre for Youth Drug Studies, said the new national survey would target a wide cross-section of Australians in city and regional areas.
She said the results would provide valuable insights into the community's attitudes towards drugs and driving, as well as their own experiences with the issue.
"We think it's really important that people have a voice in the survey and encourage anyone over 17 years with internet access to have their say," Dr Mallick said.
"Currently, there is limited research about the prevalence of drug-driving in rural areas, and any insights we can gain will be valuable for developing road safety strategies to protect our rural communities and keep people safe."
The ADF, together with Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre and funded by insurer AAMI, says the survey is aimed at providing informed contributions to public debate on the issue.
Research carried out by the AAMI insurance company found 11 per cent of drivers admit to driving after using recreational drugs, and more than a quarter admit to driving after taking prescription or over-the-counter medication containing a warning not to drive.
More than one in 10 Australian drivers are not sure whether recreational drugs affected driving ability, while eight per cent believe driving after using recreational drugs is safer than drink-driving.
The online survey is open to all Australians of driving age whether they have any experience of drugs of not.
SMH
