Booze Buses Now Testing Drivers For Drugs

12 Dec 2006

Media Release - 12 December 2006

The TAC and Victoria Police today announced a joint effort to reduce the incidence of drug driving, unveiling the new Police Drug and Alcohol buses and a supporting public education campaign.

Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said all Victoria Police booze buses were in the process of being converted to test drivers for both drugs and alcohol.

“Drug driving enforcement is being stepped up. Two new drug buses are already operating and a third will be on the road by Christmas, and soon all booze buses will also be drug buses,” said Ms Nixon.

“Drug and alcohol impairment is a major focus of our enforcement over the holiday period and the chances of being caught are now much greater than before.”
 
Ms Nixon said the new TAC campaign launched today was a timely reminder for all motorists.

“The TAC’s new campaign tells motorists clearly, that booze buses will also be testing drivers for illicit drugs. We hope knowing this will deter motorists from taking the risk,” she said.

The TAC’s Senior Manager Road Safety, David Healy said the message for motorists was simple.

“Don’t take drugs and drive,” said Mr Healy.

“The pain of road trauma is felt in our community every day, and nobody wants this Christmas and festive season to be marred by tragedy.

“The mix of drugs and driving can be deadly. Drugs impair judgement of road conditions and travel speed, and adversely affect your ability to respond in emergency situations or when the unexpected happens.

“Drugs can also induce a false sense of over-confidence, increasing risk taking behaviour,” said Mr Healy.

The TV component of the new TAC campaign will screen from tonight to support the roll-out of the new Police Drug and Alcohol buses. Outdoor and radio advertisements will also support the campaign, with the message that ‘if you drive on drugs you’re out of your mind’.

Victoria Police began testing drivers for methamphetamine and cannabis (THC) on 13 December 2004 and extended the program to include ecstasy (MDMA) on 1 September 2006. To date, police have tested over 24,000 drivers and 479 have tested positive to one or more illicit substances.

A total of eight buses will be converted to dual capacity and operational by mid 2007.