Vic: Drug driver testing working: Holding
05 Jan 2009 1:49 PM
MELBOURNE, Jan 5 AAP - Fewer Victorian motorists were detected driving under the influence of illicit drugs last year than in 2007.
In 2008, 327 drivers, or one in 76, returned a positive result for drugs in Victoria out of almost 25,000 motorists tested.
This compares to 369, or one in 59, in 2007.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Minister Tim Holding said about 20 per cent of drivers killed on Victorian roads had amphetamine-type stimulants or cannabis in their system.
He warned that drug drivers would be caught.
"Driving on drugs is illegal, stupid and highly dangerous and these figures show the campaign is having an effect," Mr Holding said.
"Driving under the influence of drugs is particularly dangerous because it makes you less alert, impairs your vision, reduces your coordination and prevents you from making the right decisions under pressure."
Almost 1,200 drivers have been caught drug driving in Victoria since testing began four years ago.
