An ACT Police operation earlier this week proved surprisingly effective, with one in six drivers subjected to roadside drug testing returning positive results.
On Monday 22 July, ACT Traffic Police conducted an operation on Athllon Drive in Greenway which included alcohol and drug screening tests, as well as roadside vehicle checks.
After conducting the first of 12 roadside drug tests, ACT police have arrested two drivers for testing positive for illegal drugs.
While the screening samples need further analysis, the two drivers will face court if they test positive again.
Since Saturday 20 July, three more Canberra drivers have tested positive for roadside drugs.
The campaign has also issued three notices of failure to comply with regulations for drivers operating unsafe vehicles.
ACT Road Policing Officer Mark Richardson has branded drink drivers “incredibly selfish”, and warned those who do so to be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
“Driving on our roads comes with a responsibility to be a safe road user. You are responsible for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users, so even considering driving while under the influence of drugs is an incredibly selfish act,” Acting Inspector Richardson said.
“Seeing two people test positive for illegal drugs after just 12 roadside drug tests is unacceptable.
“Driving while impaired puts you at greater risk of having an accident, endangering not only your life but also that of other road users who are making the right choices.
“These types of activities will continue, so drunk drivers should be prepared to be arrested and held fully accountable before the law.”
According to the National Road Safety Partnership – run by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre – a quarter of drivers killed in traffic crashes were using drugs other than alcohol.
