Drugs help driving - users
By Carly Crawford, Herald Sun (AU)
October 31, 2007
MORE than a quarter of amphetamine users who drug-drive think the dangerous stimulant improves their performance behind the wheel.
And two-thirds of drivers who pop sedatives similar to those used by fallen footy star Ben Cousins think those drugs have no impact on their driving skills.
The sedatives, a type of benzodiazepine, are among the most commonly detected prescription drugs in impaired drivers, police figures show.
A major Australian Drug Foundation survey on drug drivers will be launched today.
The survey, done with research body Turning Point and funded by AAMI, found that drug users did not believe their habit affected their driving.
Fifty-six per cent of amphetamine users thought the substance had no impact on their ability while 27 per cent felt it enhanced their skills.
Almost half the ecstasy users and one quarter of cannabis users thought those drugs damaged their performance.
Principal researcher Jane Mallick, director of the ADF's Centre for Youth Drug Studies, said the findings were cause for alarm.
"A common response was that it can improve alertness so there might be a perception you're a better driver," Dr Mallick said.
"There is a perception there isn't a risk."
Researchers surveyed 6801 people aged between 16 and 84 around the country and found that 30 per cent of people taking benzodiazepines - a type of tranquilliser - had driven within three hours of using it.
Benzodiazapines are used by drug users to help them come down from the highs induced from illicit stimulants.
Sacked West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins was found with a packet of diazepam when he was pulled over by traffic police this month.
Dr Mallick said drivers were ignorant of the dangers posed by prescription drugs.
"Again, people don't perceive the risks," she said.
Victoria Police's Insp Martin Boorman said 49 per cent of the 751 motorists charged with driving while impaired in the five years to December 2005 had tested positive to benzodiazepines.
He said one in 53 drivers had tested positive to speed, ecstasy or cannabis after being pulled over at the roadside.
"The reason someone takes a psycho-active substance is that it has an effect on their cognitive ability," Insp Boorman said.
Half of the ADF survey respondents admitted to driving within three hours of using cannabis or amphetamines compared with 37 per cent of ecstasy users.
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By Carly Crawford, Herald Sun (AU)
October 31, 2007
MORE than a quarter of amphetamine users who drug-drive think the dangerous stimulant improves their performance behind the wheel.
And two-thirds of drivers who pop sedatives similar to those used by fallen footy star Ben Cousins think those drugs have no impact on their driving skills.
The sedatives, a type of benzodiazepine, are among the most commonly detected prescription drugs in impaired drivers, police figures show.
A major Australian Drug Foundation survey on drug drivers will be launched today.
The survey, done with research body Turning Point and funded by AAMI, found that drug users did not believe their habit affected their driving.
Fifty-six per cent of amphetamine users thought the substance had no impact on their ability while 27 per cent felt it enhanced their skills.
Almost half the ecstasy users and one quarter of cannabis users thought those drugs damaged their performance.
Principal researcher Jane Mallick, director of the ADF's Centre for Youth Drug Studies, said the findings were cause for alarm.
"A common response was that it can improve alertness so there might be a perception you're a better driver," Dr Mallick said.
"There is a perception there isn't a risk."
Researchers surveyed 6801 people aged between 16 and 84 around the country and found that 30 per cent of people taking benzodiazepines - a type of tranquilliser - had driven within three hours of using it.
Benzodiazapines are used by drug users to help them come down from the highs induced from illicit stimulants.
Sacked West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins was found with a packet of diazepam when he was pulled over by traffic police this month.
Dr Mallick said drivers were ignorant of the dangers posed by prescription drugs.
"Again, people don't perceive the risks," she said.
Victoria Police's Insp Martin Boorman said 49 per cent of the 751 motorists charged with driving while impaired in the five years to December 2005 had tested positive to benzodiazepines.
He said one in 53 drivers had tested positive to speed, ecstasy or cannabis after being pulled over at the roadside.
"The reason someone takes a psycho-active substance is that it has an effect on their cognitive ability," Insp Boorman said.
Half of the ADF survey respondents admitted to driving within three hours of using cannabis or amphetamines compared with 37 per cent of ecstasy users.
Link
8( Serious bullshit bizness man. 
