DRUG-DRIVING is a “hidden giant” in the Eurobodalla community and puts motorists at risk each day on our roads, according to a local police sergeant.
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It has been revealed that an average of one in 45 drivers are under the influence of drugs – either illicit or prescription - compared with one in 250 for drink-drivers.
In a police traffic operation conducted at three separate locations in NSW over the weekend, more drivers tested positive for illicit drugs than alcohol.
Batemans Bay Traffic and Highway Patrol Sergeant Angus Duncombe said the Eurobodalla was not excluded and drug-driving was an issue in the community.
“Drug-driving is a hidden giant in our community,” Sgt Duncombe said.
“The hit rate is roughly one in 45 whereas with drink drivers it is one in 250.
“Drivers can be affected not only by illegal drugs but in some cases prescription drugs. The majority of drugs that are picked up in the system are cannabis, amphetamine, ecstasy and methadone.”
While Batemans Bay Area Command does not have a random drug-testing facility, it is normal procedure to present drivers who are believed to be under the influence of drugs to the hospital for a blood and urine sample once alcohol has been eliminated.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, warned the community about the risks of driving under the influence of prescription or recreational drugs ahead of the October long weekend.
“This is a concern that more people are taking the risk of being under the influence of an illicit drug before getting behind the wheel, however the weekend’s operation were just a small sample of drivers,” he said.
“With the long weekend approaching, we will see more people on our roads heading out to events or coming home from school holidays.
“The risk of a serious crash increases the more someone exceeds the speed limit, and this is not a risk we can permit. Driving under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol can also seriously impair your concentration and motor skills.”
Police will be monitoring drug-driving over the long weekend as part of Operation Slow Down.
In the weekend operation, Cabramatta Local Area Command drug-tested 278 drivers and four returned positive results. Out of 1286 random breath tests, four people were allegedly detected drink-driving.
Lake Illawarra police drug-tested 202 drivers and eight returned positive results. Of the 1084 breath tests conducted, officers allegedly detected four people over the limit.
Meanwhile in the Shoalhaven, 255 motorists were drug-tested and two returned positive results.