Published Thursday, 15 November, 2007 at 12:15 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Campaign launched for roadside drug testing
Motorists putting lives at risk by driving while under the influence of illegal drugs will face tough penalties with the commencement next month of roadside drug testing in Queensland.
Transport Minister John Mickel and Police Minister Judy Spence, today launched the advertising campaign, warning motorists, if they take drugs and get behind the wheel they will be caught.
Mr Mickel said the state government would do all it could to reverse a trend which showed an increase in the number of people using drugs, then getting behind the wheel and becoming involved in serious crashes.
"Research shows 6% of motorists admit to driving after using illegal drugs, even if rarely," Mr Mickel said.
"The use of drugs while driving significantly affects motorists' skills and the functions they require to drive safely.
"During 2006, the use of alcohol and other drugs was identified as a contributing factor in 106 fatalities within Queensland, which represents 31.6% of the Queensland road toll. Drug driving is not only dangerous, it is irresponsible and illegal."
A public education campaign alerting motorists to the introduction of roadside drug testing will start next week (on Thursday 22 November). It will inform motorists in Queensland about the new initiative and the penalties for anyone caught drug driving.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the introduction of random roadside drug testing was about saving lives.
“We are determined to catch those people who play Russian Roulette with the lives of others on Queensland Roads,” Ms Spence said.
“Police will take a zero tolerance approach – and anyone caught breaking the law could be fined up to $1050 and lose their driver licence for up to nine months for a first offence.
“Operations will be conducted statewide, from December 1, in locations across the state.
“Motorists will be stopped at the roadside and required to undergo a simple two-stage saliva test conducted by trained police officers in a way similar to random breath tests.
“The message is simple – if they do the right thing, they will drive away within minutes. But if they break the law, they will suffer the consequences.
“We now have a great weapon to help stamp out this very dangerous behaviour, and drivers who don't heed our warnings will be punished."
The tests will check for the four illegal drugs that are frequently identified in the bodies of drivers involved in fatal and serious vehicle crashes: marijuana, 'speed', ‘ice’ and 'ecstasy'.
If a driver tests positive for drugs on the first test, a second saliva test will be conducted. If this is also positive the driver's licence will be suspended for 24 hours while tests are analysed. A positive result from that test will initiate a police prosecution and the driver will be required to appear in court.
Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett was at the launch of the roadside drug testing program and is strong supporter of road safety.
For more information about this campaign or random roadside drug testing visit www.transport.qld.gov.au
Minister Mickel contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944
Minister Spence contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172/ 0439 673 287
November 15, 2007
Transport Minister John Mickel and Police Minister Judy Spence, today launched the advertising campaign, warning motorists, if they take drugs and get behind the wheel they will be caught.
Mr Mickel said the state government would do all it could to reverse a trend which showed an increase in the number of people using drugs, then getting behind the wheel and becoming involved in serious crashes.
"Research shows 6% of motorists admit to driving after using illegal drugs, even if rarely," Mr Mickel said.
"The use of drugs while driving significantly affects motorists' skills and the functions they require to drive safely.
"During 2006, the use of alcohol and other drugs was identified as a contributing factor in 106 fatalities within Queensland, which represents 31.6% of the Queensland road toll. Drug driving is not only dangerous, it is irresponsible and illegal."
A public education campaign alerting motorists to the introduction of roadside drug testing will start next week (on Thursday 22 November). It will inform motorists in Queensland about the new initiative and the penalties for anyone caught drug driving.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the introduction of random roadside drug testing was about saving lives.
“We are determined to catch those people who play Russian Roulette with the lives of others on Queensland Roads,” Ms Spence said.
“Police will take a zero tolerance approach – and anyone caught breaking the law could be fined up to $1050 and lose their driver licence for up to nine months for a first offence.
“Operations will be conducted statewide, from December 1, in locations across the state.
“Motorists will be stopped at the roadside and required to undergo a simple two-stage saliva test conducted by trained police officers in a way similar to random breath tests.
“The message is simple – if they do the right thing, they will drive away within minutes. But if they break the law, they will suffer the consequences.
“We now have a great weapon to help stamp out this very dangerous behaviour, and drivers who don't heed our warnings will be punished."
The tests will check for the four illegal drugs that are frequently identified in the bodies of drivers involved in fatal and serious vehicle crashes: marijuana, 'speed', ‘ice’ and 'ecstasy'.
If a driver tests positive for drugs on the first test, a second saliva test will be conducted. If this is also positive the driver's licence will be suspended for 24 hours while tests are analysed. A positive result from that test will initiate a police prosecution and the driver will be required to appear in court.
Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett was at the launch of the roadside drug testing program and is strong supporter of road safety.
For more information about this campaign or random roadside drug testing visit www.transport.qld.gov.au
Minister Mickel contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944
Minister Spence contact: Nicola Hazell – 3239 6172/ 0439 673 287
November 15, 2007