Drivers face drug and drink testing this holiday period

Drivers have again been warned that they will now be tested for driving under the influence of drugs as well as alcohol during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said 106 people died in alcohol or drug-related crashes in 2006 and 13 people died in crashes during the 2006 Christmas holiday season.

"The tragedy of these statistics is that many of these deaths were preventable," Mr Mickel said.

"It is your responsibility to plan ahead and arrange a designated driver, book a taxi or arrange alternative means of transport instead of driving under the influence.

"This year we have random roadside drug testing as well as alcohol testing because we are serious about stamping out this risky behaviour. Seriously, enough is enough."

Mr Mickel said it was especially important for young people not to be pressured into driving if they have been drinking or taking drugs.

Queensland police will randomly stop motorists, truck drivers and motorcyclists to conduct alcohol and drug testing.

Any trace of THC (marijuana), methylamphetamine (speed and ice) or MDMA (ecstasy) in a driver's system will return a positive test and result in an immediate 24-hour licence suspension and prosecution.

"Even first offenders risk a fine of up to $1050 and up to nine months without their licence for drug driving, not to mention the risk to their lives and the lives of other road users."

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 23, 2007