Roadside Drug Testing (VIC)

[hoptis]

Just an update on what the traffic cops have been up to lately.

Steel trap nabs drivers
Anthony Dowsley
October 16, 2006 12:00am

THE latest "ring of steel" drink-driving blitz that traps motorists at city exits has seen the number of drink drivers on our roads plummet.

A weekend of operations in Melbourne's inner city netted 46 drink-drivers from almost 7000 motorists breathalysed.

In Operation Corral on Saturday night 19 of 2804 drivers tested on St Kilda Rd had a blood alcohol level over .05.

The previous night there were 27 drink-drivers of 4030 tested at City Link, Mt Alexander Rd, Sydney Rd and Elliott Ave in Melbourne's north.

The operation nabbed one driver with drugs in his system, while two other drivers on CityLink and Mt Alexander Rd blew .189 and .186 respectively.

Police say the figures are an improvement on earlier blitzes this year.

Sgt Bob Hope, of Port Phillip traffic management unit, said many of the drivers nabbed were intercepted in back streets trying to avoid main roads.

Assistant Commissioner (traffic) Noel Ashby said police were planning to blitz rural Victoria.

"It costs a bit more but the road benefits are immense," he said.

Mr Ashby also said he was ready to up the ante on drug users who drove.

He said Victoria Police would soon have its force and seven booze buses capable of testing for cannabis, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine says about 30 per cent of drivers killed have some kind of psychoactive drug in their system.

An average of one in 46 drivers have been caught driving under the influence of drugs since road testing began two years ago.

Herald Sun

 

[ilikeacid]

Operation Corral

The cops must feel real good coming up with that... "look at us we're cowboys, just like we always wanted to be!"

 

[peterpan_99]

Booze buses take up drugs to reduce road risks
Andrea Petrie
December 13, 2006

Victoria Police has boosted its capacity to get dangerous drivers off the road with the first of several dual drug and alcohol-testing buses. Their launch coincides with the release of the latest drug-driving figures and a new TAC advertising campaign.

Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said two booze buses had been converted to also test motorists for drugs, and a third would be on the road by Christmas.

Eight dual-purpose buses are expected to be operating by mid-2007, following $14 million in funding from the State Government, with conversions to the rest of the force's booze-bus fleet to follow.

Drug-driver statistics released yesterday show one in 50 Victorian motorists tested positive to illicit drugs since testing began two years ago. One in 250 motorists tested positive to drink-driving.

Of the 24,000 motorists who tested positive for drugs, 479 had one or more illicit substances in their system. Male drivers accounted for 81 per cent of those caught, 373 of whom were car drivers and 106 truck drivers. The average age of offending car drivers was 26 and truck drivers was 39.

Victoria became the first state in the world to introduce roadside drug testing in December 2004.

Ms Nixon said the alarming figures suggested drug use was prevalent, as was getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

"It's a great concern for us and that's why we worked to find a system we can use (to test drivers) and that's why we're the first in the world (to test drivers for drugs)," she said.

Also launched yesterday was an associated advertising campaign by the Transport Accident Commission dubbed: "If you drive on drugs, you're out of your mind."

TAC road safety manager David Healy said the mix of drugs and driving could be deadly.

"Drugs impair judgement of road conditions and travel speed, and adversely affect your ability to respond in emergency situations or when the unexpected happens," he said.

Police Minister Bob Cameron said nearly a quarter of drivers killed in Victoria last year had drugs in their system, and warned motorists that the new buses could test anywhere, at any time

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/natio...duce-road-risks/2006/12/12/1165685684723.html

 

[peterpan_99]

Drug drivers put on notice
Holly Lloyd-McDonald
December 13, 2006 12:00am

DRUGGED revellers will be the target of a combined police, ambulance and Transport Accident Commission crackdown over the holidays.

Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said two booze buses had been equipped for drug testing and a third would be ready by Christmas.
Seven existing police booze buses would be able to conduct drug testing by mid-2007.

A new bus, able to test for drugs and alcohol, would replace the existing drug-testing bus. The buses will be able to test for cannabis, ecstasy and methamphetamine use.

In just two years of random drug-testing of drivers, more than 470 have been nabbed for being on drugs.

One in 51 drivers tested were positive to drugs, compared with one in 250 found to be over .05.

The TAC yesterday launched a new TV campaign with the slogan: "If you drive on drugs, you're out of your mind."

And the Metropolitan Ambulance Service unveiled a campaign to run in cinemas, urging young people to call 000 if they suspect a mate has had an overdose.

MAS chief executive officer Greg Sassella said young people sometimes hesitated to call for help because they were afraid police could become involved -- or worse, their parents.

"There is no reason to be afraid," Mr Sassella said. "Our paramedics are focused only on saving lives."

At the TAC launch, police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said rave parties and nightclubs would be a target.

Drugs affected perception and reaction times when driving. "If you've got it (in your system), we believe that it will impair your driving," Mrs Nixon said.

"Young people think if 'I just take drugs, it's not a big deal and it doesn't really affect me.' Well, it does affect you.

"There are serious offences involved here. Just don't do it."

Mrs Nixon said a high number of truck drivers used drugs.

"We've been talking with the trucking industry and we've been out there on the roads enforcing. It is a great concern to us."

Assistant Commissioner (traffic) Noel Ashby warned revellers to plan their road trips and designate a driver if they planned to drink during the festive season.

"We want people to have fun, and that's what life is about, particularly this time of year," he said.

"But don't have fun with other people's lives . . . be responsible to yourself, because it can happen to you.

"People should plan their trips, have a driver, think about alternative ways. It is a lot cheaper to get a taxi than it is to end up in a drug bus without your licence."

Source: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20918046-2862,00.html

 

[hoptis]

New roadside test buses catch out drug-dazed drivers
Gary Hughes
January 03, 2007

NINE people were caught driving under the influence of drugs after attending a New Year's Day dance party in Melbourne as police around the nation focus on random roadside testing in their latest efforts to cut road tolls.

The nine were caught near the Summadayze party at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl despite earlier warnings by Victoria Police that it was stepping up its campaign against drug drivers by putting new testing buses on the road over the holiday period.

Victoria was the first state to introduce roadside saliva drug tests two years ago. All other states have followed the move.

Queensland, which recorded its highest road toll for eight years last year, will become the final state to introduce roadside testing this year following a trial that found one in 25 drivers tested positive to drugs. It plans to test about 20,000 drivers a year.

According to Victoria Police, 30 per cent of drivers killed on the state's roads tested positive for drugs other than alcohol. In South Australia, 23 per cent of motorists killed tested positive for cannabis, methylamphetamine or ecstasy, which are the three drugs that can be detected using roadside saliva tests.

Victoria Police figures for the two years since random testing was introduced in December 2004 show 479 out of a total of 24,413 drivers tested positive - a ratio of one in 51. The most common drug detected was methamphetamine, with 321 drivers testing positive. Those testing positive to both methamphetamine and cannabis totalled 105. Thirty-five drivers tested positive to cannabis alone.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said yesterday the nine drivers caught overnight were stopped at a drug bus in St Kilda Road, near the corner of Toorak Road, less than 2km from the Summerdayze event, which attracted a crowd of about 25,000. Police sniffer dogs detected a further 26 people carrying small amounts of drugs for personal use.

They were cautioned and directed to a drug diversion program.

Victoria Police launched three combined drug and alcohol testing buses and began a public education program on drug driving in the holiday period lead-up. Eight are expected to be operating by the middle of the year.

The Australian

 

[hoptis]

Bad weather, drugs contribute to road toll
January 6, 2007 - 4:42PM

Drugs, bad weather and irresponsible driving have been blamed for Victoria's Christmas road toll which included 16 deaths and 640 injuries.

The death toll was similar to last year and about average for the Christmas season, Assistant Commissioner for Traffic Noel Ashby said today.

The fatalities were the result of 13 collisions, the majority in regional areas.

Mr Ashby said many of the deaths were the result of cars crashing into poles or trees.

"That's a very simple accident to avoid," he said.

The results of post-mortem examinations had not been released, but if past years were any indication, almost a third drivers killed on the roads likely would have illicit drugs in their system, he said.

A random drug testing bus on Toorak Road in South Yarra on January 1 revealed nine out of 58 motorists had ecstasy, methamphetamine or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their system.

"This clearly indicates to us that there is a problem with drugs in the Victorian community and particularly drugs in driving," Mr Ashby said.

Random drug testing will be increased in 2007 with police targeting problem areas, such as nightclub strips, rave parties and trucking routes.

While bad weather, including a spate of black ice on Victoria's roads on Christmas Day, contributed to at least three deaths, drivers needed to act more responsibly, Mr Ashby said.

"People need to plan their trips and take into consideration weather conditions," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, in Tasmania a total of four people died in three horrific accidents over the holiday period, double last year's tally.

Two women were killed when their car was ripped apart in a three-car pile-up on the Bass Highway in the state's north-west on December 23.

On January 4, a man died and four people from the one family were seriously injured in another head-on collision on the Midland Hwy north of Hobart.

And on January 5, an 83-year-old man was killed instantly when the car he was driving hit a guardrail on Glenora Road, New Norfolk.

In South Australia, the holiday road toll reached three, four below last year's total.

The deaths included a 25-year-old man who was travelling as passenger in the front seat of a car when it rolled near Strathalbyn south of Adelaide just after midnight (CDT) on January 5.

On December 23, two men aged 30 and 34, were killed in a two-car crash at Birken Head, in Adelaide's west.

Both men were driving their vehicles at the time of the accident.

AAP

The Age

 

[hoptis]

The results of post-mortem examinations had not been released, but if past years were any indication, almost a third drivers killed on the roads likely would have illicit drugs in their system, he said.

So with absolutely no evidence whatsoever besides from his artificial and poorly supported statistic, Assistant Commissioner for Traffic Noel Ashby concludes that drugs must play a major factor for the high holiday road toll.

Unbelievable

 

[Tronica]

Yes that sentence caught my eye. No information; just assumptions 8(

 

[ilikeacid]

Just saw one bus heading towards rye at the start of the mornington peninsula hwy. Expect them to be testing tomorrow as it will be 37 degrees and I think they'll be targeting all the cool stoner surfers... better not smoke j's in the car on the way to the beach kiddies!

 

[hired gun]

they should really be testing for benzo`s. thats the most widely used drug.

 

[shaneus]

The results of post-mortem examinations had not been released, but if past years were any indication, almost a third drivers killed on the roads likely would have illicit drugs in their system, he said.

A random drug testing bus on Toorak Road in South Yarra on January 1 revealed nine out of 58 motorists had ecstasy, methamphetamine or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their system.

"This clearly indicates to us that there is a problem with drugs in the Victorian community and particularly drugs in driving," Mr Ashby said.

Yeah, you put a drug bus outside the biggest outdoor dance event in Australia and only catch NINE people? To me that indicates that out of 58 people you tested, 15% were stupid enough to drug-drive. That proves jack.

 

[ayjay]

Found this on YouTube (marijuana and driving)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfcRyruo91Y&eurl

Food for thought....

 

[Splatt]

I think that only applies to people who get stoned regulary though.
And have gotten used to driving stoned. Although the guy didn't admit he does it, he would if he is a stoner.

 

[lil angel15]

Police praise motorists after drug bus returns negative results
Tuesday, 27 February 2007.

Police are praising motorists after an operation by the new police drug bus at Sale yesterday.

Police had a busy weekend and charged eight people with drug offences at the Akasha festival near Maffra.

They also kept an eye on the outlaw bikie gang the Black Uhlans, on a ride in East Gippsland, booking one of the bikies for an unregistered motorcycle.

But Senior Constable Chris Gordon says of the 83 people checked for alcohol and drugs yesterday at Sale, no-one returned a positive result.

"There were traffic matters in regards to unroadworthy certificates handed out, people driving unregistered motor vehicles, that was dealt with through the drug bus through the traffic management units associated with that," he said.

"But we were quite pleased that no-one tested positive with alcohol or drugs."

ABC

 

[fuzzysun]

Anyone know if dexamphetamine shows up on these tests?

If it does, will the driver be excused if they are legitimately prescribed it?

 

[Fry-d-]

As dexamphetamine is an amphetamine I can only assume it would show a positive result. But if you have a legitimate prescription I can see no way they can charge you for driving under the influence. This could mean you get pulled aside and then have to plead your case on the side of the road I'm not sure? I doubt many people travel around with there doctors certificate or prescription.

I think this has been discussed previously though, can't find it right now.

If someone knows more or can correct me feel free

 

[lil angel15]

As Fry-d- has said above, I would assume that dexamphetamine would produce a positive result to the test . If this was the case and you did return a positive result, the police would send off the swab for laboratory analysis which would provide a definitive result as to what you had consumed. If the result came back positive for your prescription medicine and no illicit substances, then I would assume you would be in the clear. This being said however, if your doctor had instructed you not to drive while using this medication, you could be charged for driving whilst impaired.

I have attached a couple of documents for your reading pleasure which may make the situation a little clearer.

Amphetamines & road safety

Amphetamines speed up and impair the normal activity of the brain. These effects mean that it’s dangerous to drive after using amphetamines because they can:

• Create a tunnel vision effect which reduces the ability to see and react to hazards whilst driving
• Create a false sense of alertness and confidence while actually reducing the ability to make quick and correct decisions
• Cause dizziness, blurred vision, loss of coordination and other physical side affects
• Make people anxious, irritable, hostile or aggressive, which can lead to risky driving
• As the effects of the drug wear off, the driver can suddenly be subject to long microsleeps.

Doctors rarely prescribe amphetamines for drivers. However, If prescribed, strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Make sure your doctor knows and discusses with you the risk of driving.

It is illegal to drive while affected by methamphetamines such as speed and ice. There is no safe amount. It is also an offence to drive while imparied by any drug, including drugs legally prescribed. For information on offences and penalities, see Drugs and Driving.


Amphetamines and fatigue

Whilst amphetamines arouse brain activity and reduce the ability to sleep, they do not reverse some of the dangerous impairment effects of fatigue for drivers.

Fatigued drivers who take amphetamines to continue driving are impaired and at a significantly increased risk of a crash.

Amphetamines affect people in different ways

The effects of amphetamines vary from person to person. Effects depend on factors such as:

• How much is used
• The person’s experience with the drug
• The person’s physical and psychological state, which can be a complex mix of personal factors and environmental factors.
• How long its been since the person last used amphetamines

Amphetamines and alcohol

Alcohol depresses brain activity and whilst amphetamines speed up activity the impairment effects of both drugs persist. Thus using alcohol and amphetamines increases the risk of a crash due to the impairment effects of both drugs.

Plan ahead

To reduce the risk of a serious crash, do not use amphetamines or other drugs if you are going to drive. Remember that using amphetamines reduces your ability to obtain quality sleep and this increases your risk of a fatigue related crash.

Do not drive if:

• Your mind is foggy
• Your hands are shaky
• You are feeling tired, aggressive, anxious, distracted, edgy or confused.

Make alternative arrangement, such as:

• Designate a non-drinking and non-drug taking driver
• Hire a taxi
• Use public transport
• Stay the night (make sure you are not still over the limit in the morning)
• Arrange for someone to pick you up

Only accept a lift if you are certain the driver has not been drinking or using other drugs.

Vic Roads

The law
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Using medicines (both prescribed and over-the counter) as directed by a doctor or pharmacist and following the precautions contained within this fact sheet should be sufficient to avoid driving while impaired by a medicine.

In Victoria, it is an offence to drive while under the influence of, or while impaired by, any drug (including medicines) which make the driver incapable of having proper control of the motor vehicle.

If a police officer suspects a driver is impaired due to the use of medicines, they may require the driver to undergo an assessment of impairment. A video recording is made of the assessment process and a copy is provided for the driver undertaking the assessment.

Interview and observation: A standardised series of questions, examining the circumstances that led to police intervention, the driver’s history of illness, injury, medical treatment and drug use.

Physical impairment tests: Three scientifically validated tests of physical ability. When conducted by a trained practitioner, these tests identify impairment to driver ability at a level that would be equivalent to a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or above.

Information review process: Evaluates all the information gathered from the interview and observation component and the physical impairment tests.

Evaluation: Based on all the information gathered, the assessor determines whether impairment may be drug related. If the assessor believes that the impairment may be drug related, the assessor may require a blood and/or urine sample to be provided by the driver. A doctor or nurse will take this. A copy of the results will be provided to the driver.

If analyses of blood and/or urine samples indicate that the person was impaired by drugs, he or she may be charged. If the impairment was not drug related, an administrative review will be undertaken. This will determine what action can be taken so that the driver and other road users are not exposed to the dangers of impaired driving.

Being caught driving under the influence of drugs or refusing to provide a sample or undertake the assessment will result in severe fines and loss of licence, depending upon whether the driver has previously been convicted of a drug or drink driving offence.

Penalties
For a first offence, monetary penalties and cancellation of the driver’s license applies.

If the driver has been previously convicted of a drug or drink driving offence, the penalties may be doubled and the driver may be imprisoned.

Victorian Government Arrive Alive Website

 

[Prince Planet]

Anyone know if dexamphetamine shows up on these tests?

I recently attended a series of seminars on Roadside Drug Testing in NSW, and the expert Forensic Scientist from a Sydney Uni said that the NSW tests will not show up positive for dexamphetamines and would show up positive for Methamphetamines. His concern was that long haul drivers, truckies etc. would switch to using dexies as opposed to meth.

 

[fuzzysun]

I'm actually in WA (where drug buses are coming in the not too distant future) and not vic and the law in my state is that it's illegal to drive under the influence of a drug that will negatively affect your driving.

I am prescribed it for ADD and it improves my driving quite significantly (as would be expected - lack of attention being a major cited cause of accidents) and my psychiatrist told me if I am going to drive I should take it, when I specifically asked him about this. I just hope the police don't decide it effects my driving in a negative way, we all know what police can be like.

I don't know how amps affect non-ADD peoples driving but they certainly improve safety for both myself and other road users with regard to my use of the drug.

I certainly hope I'm not expected to produce a prescription as the law in WA is that the pharmacy has to keep it for dexamp/ritalin! I believe it goes on a person's record (that is accessible by police) if they are prescribed stimulants though.

 

[lil angel15]

I would suggest getting in contact with your relevant roads authority or contacting the Police for the information you require. I would hate to think the advice you get on here could lead you into trouble with the law.

If you are not successful in that regards, please feel free to start a Roadside Drug Testing (WA) thread.