Drugged up and behind the wheel BY MICHAEL CROOKS 22/07/2008 9:47:00 AM ALMOST two in three drivers busted for being under the influence of drugs are testing positive to speed, according to new figures. That figure is almost twice that of people using marijuana and getting behind the wheel.
Statistics released yesterday by Tasmania Police have detailed instances of "drug driving" since testing was introduced in 2005.
The numbers show a worrying trend of drivers in the state's North-West using methamphetamines before getting behind the wheel.
Of the 96 positive samples taken in the Western District in the last three years, 61 showed traces of speed in the driver's saliva.
This heavily outweighed other substances, which included marijuana (30), ecstasy and morphine (two) and cocaine (once).
The prevalence of speed also stood out in comparison to statewide figures, where marijuana (190 positive samples) outnumbered speed (135) by almost 50percent.
Snr Sgt Danny Russell, of Western District Traffic Services, said that while instances of "drug driving" were unacceptable, the spike of drivers caught using amphetamines in the district was of particular concern.
He agreed the statistics certainly told police "a fair bit about the current patterns of drug use in the area".
City Mission North-West Coast operations manager Stuart Smith said although the figures were a further indication that Tasmania had "serious drug issues", in his observations they didn't correlate with a localised spike in speed usage.
"There is clearly a problem with amphetamine use in Tasmania," Mr Smith said.
"But I couldn't say if it is more pronounced on the North-West Coast.
"Perhaps the users in the area are more brazen and don't think they will get caught when driving."
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