Concept of visual roadside drug tests for drivers to be studied

24/5/97

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today he would look at the merits of giving police powers to conduct visual roadside tests on motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.

Mr Charlton said the concept of visual testing had been discussed at a meeting of Federal and State Transport Ministers in Cairns yesterday.

"It is an extension of random breath-testing which has proved so successful around the nation," he said.

The Minister said he would ask the Road Safety Council of WA to study the concept to see if it would be workable in this State.

"Victoria plans to legislate for visual roadside testing next year," he said.

"In that State 50 of those killed on the roads last year tested positive to drugs other than alcohol.

"I will be asking the Road Safety Council to look closely at the idea which is designed to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel, drug-impaired.

"We are talking here about prescription drugs such as Valium, as well as the likes of marijuana and amphetamines."

Mr Charlton said there was little doubt that some people were driving while drug-impaired and they were driving without fear of detection. As yet there was no drug-test device which could be used for roadside testing.

The alternative of visual testing had been used in some parts of America for the past 25 years.

The visual test might include:

·         walking a straight line;

·         balancing on one leg; and -

·         touching the nose with one finger.

If still under suspicion, the motorist would than undergo a second and more detailed test at a police station and under video surveillance.

Should the driver fail that test, police would then be able to demand a blood sample and a urine sample.

"The visual test is in many ways similar to the old sobriety tests used by police prior to the advent of the breathalyser," Mr Charlton said.

"Currently people can be breathalysed and test negative to alcohol, yet their driving ability might be seriously impaired by other drugs."

Mr Charlton said the Road Safety Council was well-equipped to study and report on the workability and effectiveness of visual testing. It was made up of representatives from transport, police, health, education and local government.

"If recommended by the Road Safety Council we would move quickly towards legislating," the Minister said.

He said visual testing could provide an important weapon in the State's effort to reduce the road toll which last year saw 250 people killed and another 3,000 hurt or seriously injured.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 321 7333