“Before you get in the car, think about whether it’s safe for you to be driving.”
01
02
Images Removing drug drivers 01 Police catch a driver with drugs in his system. 02 Constable John Patounas administers a preliminary drug test. 03 Random drug and alcohol testing of drivers is occurring.
majority being for methamphetamine. The crystalline form of this drug is commonly known as ice,” he said. A few months ago, the Victorian Government publicly announced it would increase the number of roadside drug tests conducted from 42,000 to 100,000 per year in the hope of driving down road deaths by deterring drug drivers. “With this expansion every Highway Patrol Unit in Victoria will have the ability to perform roadside drug tests,” Supt Taylor said. “There should be a real expectation that if you drive, you should expect to get drug tested, just as you would get tested for alcohol.” Supt Taylor said the introduction of the .05 blood alcohol concentration limit by Victoria Police in 1966 had succeeded in deterring drink drivers. “It has changed people’s behaviour. Drink driving rates are dropping and generally the community doesn’t tolerate people who drink and drive anymore,” he said. “Victoria Police is a world leader, being the first police jurisdiction in the world to conduct roadside drug testing. As we’re testing more drivers for drugs, we’re detecting
03
Editorial: Maria Carnovale Photography: Craig Sillitoe
more and we’re hoping to change the culture as we did with drink driving.” Driving on drugs can impair judgement, limit your ability to assess risk and impair response. “Last year, of all the deaths on Victoria’s roads, only one of them was a true accident – a tree fell on the vehicle. Apart from that, all were preventable deaths,” Supt Taylor said. “People need to understand that drink and drug driving greatly increases your chances of serious injury or death on our roads. “Before you get in the car, think about whether it’s safe for you to be driving. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and all road users need to consider their safety and the safety of others when on the roads.” Read more about how police are testing drivers for drugs and alcohol on page 16. If you have been affected by road trauma, contact Road Trauma Support Services Victoria on 1300 367 797.
POLICE LIFE | SUMMER 2015
9