NEWS: Herald Sun - 05/12/2006 'Drug-driving rise'

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Drug-driving rise
Peter Mickelburough
December 05, 2006 12:00am

THE shocking extent of a growing prescription drug menace on our roads is revealed in a national survey of drivers.

One in three Victorian drivers admits risking their lives and those of others by getting behind the wheel under the influence of prescription medicines after being warned not to.

And the deadly practise is increasing.

A year ago one in four drivers surveyed said they disregarded drug-drive warnings, and two years ago the figure was one in five.

The annual AAMI crash index survey found Victorians were three times more likely to drive under the influence of prescription drugs (29 per cent) than illicit drugs (9 per cent). Two-thirds believed drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, speed or ecstasy posed a greater threat on the road.

Police said driving under the influence of any drug was dangerous and misuse of prescription drugs was a factor in many serious accidents.

Prescription tranquillisers are the most common drug detected in police tests, often combined with illicit drugs.

"The driver who does anything to reduce their ability to drive a vehicle safely is an issue," the police traffic alcohol section's Insp Martin Boorman said.

The survey also found:

DRIVING after using illicit drugs is considered safer than drink-driving by one in 14 Victorian drivers, with another 30 per cent not sure.

ONE in 20 said using a small amount of illicit drugs before driving did not affect driving ability, with 12 per cent unsure.

MORE than nine in 10 drivers back random drug testing although less than half think it is reliable.

"While the Victorian Government has focused on testing drivers for alcohol and illicit drugs, this evidence indicates prescription and over-the-counter drugs are also of concern," said AAMI's Geoff Hughes. "It isn't just young drivers ignoring warnings."

Nationally, more than seven in 10 drivers aged 35-44 believe prescription drugs are a hidden danger on our roads, the Sweeney Research survey of 2384 drivers found.

But the most likely to drive after taking prescription drugs are those aged 35-44 -- 35 per cent, compared with 18 per cent aged 18-24 and 25 per cent 55 or older.

Drug-driving is the focus of a new study by the Australian Drug Foundation and Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.

More than 2500 people have responded to an anonymous survey at www.drugdriving.org.au.

Herald Sun

 

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Drug drivers warned
Emma Chalmers
December 04, 2006 11:00pm

A QUARTER of Queensland drivers ignore medical advice and drive after taking prescription drugs, new research has found.

Despite warnings that common prescription medication can cause drowsiness or impairment, 24 per cent of Queensland motorists admitted to getting behind the wheel after taking drugs.

A further 13 per cent also admitted they had driven under the influence of illegal drugs.

The study, complied by Sweeney Research for AAMI, showed that drivers aged 35 to 44 were more likely to drive after taking medication than young motorists.

Common prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia and hay fever have possible side effects that include drowsiness, dizziness or vision changes.

Commenting on the report, Dr Jane Mallick, director of youth drug studies at the Australian Drug Foundation, said some drivers were mixing a lethal cocktail by consuming illegal drugs and alcohol.

"Research to date suggests Australian drivers are increasingly prepared to risk their lives, and the lives of other road users, by driving while impaired by drugs," Dr Mallick said.

"It is advisable not to drink alcohol when taking other drugs, and people certainly should not mix alcohol, drugs and driving – even small amounts of alcohol combined with drugs or medications can impair ability to drive safely."

The research also revealed that while 90 per cent of drivers thought random roadside drug testing was a good idea, less than half thought the results were reliable.

Two weeks ago, The Courier-Mail revealed that secret Government testing showed one in 25 Queensland drivers used illegal drugs before driving.

The data was compiled as part of preparations for next year's first random drug-driving tests.

About 20,000 drivers will be randomly tested for drugs in Queensland from next year.

However, police will be unable to test for prescription drugs.

The AAMI survey found 5 per cent of Queensland drivers thought using a small amount of illegal drugs would not affect their driving, while 12 per cent were unsure of drugs' influence on their driving ability.

Courier-Mail