http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24380258-3102,00.html Posted today ONE in 53 drivers is testing positive for illicit drugs at roadside tests operating throughout the state, Queensland police statistics reveal. Figures released to The Courier-Mail show 181 drivers have tested positive from 9730 roadside drug tests since the program was introduced last December.
The preliminary tests are sent for expert analysis at Queensland Health, which has confirmed a positive reading in each of the 168 tests they checked.
Police were alarmed at results from an operation in Gladstone over the weekend of September 20-21 in which 13 drivers out of 132 tested positive.
"It's a bit of an alarming result there in central Queensland," said Senior-Sergeant Richard Teale, officer in charge of the roadside drug testing unit.
"The deterrent value goes up with these results but to come up with 13 positives in more or less one location is a bit disappointing."
Sen-Sgt Teale said the drug testing unit was currently travelling to regional areas.
When it focused on the Cairns Amateurs horse racing carnival in September, eight drivers tested positive at preliminary roadside tests.
Sen-Sgt Teale said cannabis was the most common drug Cairns drivers were allegedly using, whereas speed and ecstasy were more prevalent around Brisbane.
The results, however, could be skewed depending on whether police were running random drug tests or intelligence-based tests, he said.
Police have worked with trucking groups and were acting on intelligence in Gladstone, where five truck drivers were among those allegedly testing positive for drugs.
"Heavy vehicle industry groups and police are equally concerned regarding drugs and driving in the industry," Sen-Sgt Teale said.
"With these industry groups and using intelligence resources we're able to focus on those drivers."
Sen-Sgt Teale said 51 drivers had pleaded guilty to drug driving, receiving an average $500 fine and 12-month licence disqualification.
"The small but effective unit works very hard with regard to this road safety project and I believe it is contributing to a reduction in drivers using illicit drugs when driving," he said.
SBN Price at posting:
0.8¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
