A POLICE roadshow has rolled into town in a bid to drive down the number of locals getting behind the wheel while on drugs.
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Police data has revealed drug-driving is a problem in the region, with recent blitzes showing several motorists are still driving while under influence of illegal drugs.
“We’ve been down to as low as one in six drivers,” Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Peter McMenamin said.
According to police drug-driving has emerged to become one of the “fatal five” killers on NSW roads, and Centre for Road Safety data has revealed 11 per cent of road fatalities involved a driver or motorcyclist who had illicit drugs in their system.
But a roadshow at the Tamworth Show this weekend is aiming to highlight the problem and eliminate the risks to other drivers. The latest technology is on display, including how police can test to see if drivers have illegal substances in their system such as amphetamines and cannabis and it will be rolled out locally later this year.
“The system will have the benefit of being mobile, we can take it and put it in any marked vehicle,” Senior Sergeant McMenamin said.
“So whether you’re in Manilla, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Quirindi, Werris Creek, Walcha, Nundle or any local area, we can go anywhere.
“That means more testing, more results and more detections.”
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said drug-driving was not linked to just one area.
“What we have found is drug-drivers are just as likely to be on the roads in country NSW as they are in metropolitan Sydney,” he said.
This weekend’s road show is hoping to educate drivers on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs before they’re involved in an accident or get booked.
“Driving impaired is ever increasing and the actual impact it does have is hard to determine,” Senior Sergeant McMenamin said.
“Police are working hard to reduce the road toll and we want to embrace as much technology we have available to us to try and do better.
“Any life lost is one too many.”