Drink and Drug courses for impaired drivers

dvaey said :

So in other words, theyre only testing for the illegal substances, not all (or relatively, any) impairing substances. I have to wonder how a 0.01 BAC can possibly be seen to be ‘abused’?

Apparently its only testing for: THC, Methylamphetamine, and MDMA. I suspect its to do with the sensitivity of the device.

Maybe ‘abused’ wasn’t the right word. But apparently many P platers would get pulled over (after having drinks) and say they were aiming for under 0.01. Even the guideline for drinks. 2 in the first hour, and 1 after is to be under 0.05.

Solidarity said :

They should just set up dedicated drink driving lanes!

They already have. They’re called roads.

Henry82 said :

dvaey said :

Im curious, if a driver with ADD tests positive to amphetamine (the one theyre prescribed by their doctor), do they still have to undergo this course?

As for your medication comment: straight off the TAC website: “The saliva tests do not detect prescription drugs or common medications such as cold and flu tablets.” I suspect they’re not accurate enough (and if they are, you’re probably heavily drugged and shouldn’t be driving).

So in other words, theyre only testing for the illegal substances, not all (or relatively, any) impairing substances. However, what if as I suggested, a patient is prescribed dexamphetamine by their doctor.. that will test positive on a roadside test for amphetamine.

I have to wonder how a 0.01 BAC can possibly be seen to be ‘abused’?

Solidarity said :

They should just set up dedicated drink driving lanes!

D2?

Solidarity said :

They should just set up dedicated drink driving lanes!

+1

They should just set up dedicated drink driving lanes!

dvaey said :

Im curious, if a driver with ADD tests positive to amphetamine (the one theyre prescribed by their doctor), do they still have to undergo this course? .

On the other hand, I wonder if this course will apply to people who are caught driving while under the influence of cough medicine, over-the-counter tranquilizers or painkillers, or other drugs

If you’re on 0.00 BAC, then you can’t have alcohol based medicines. There are many warnings about this when doing your Learners. Apparently NSW learners/Ps used to have a 0.01 BAC to account for medicine, however people abused it so they dropped it back to 0.00

As for your medication comment: straight off the TAC website: “The saliva tests do not detect prescription drugs or common medications such as cold and flu tablets.” I suspect they’re not accurate enough (and if they are, you’re probably heavily drugged and shouldn’t be driving).

Im curious, if a driver with ADD tests positive to amphetamine (the one theyre prescribed by their doctor), do they still have to undergo this course? What exactly will that course teach them, other than the fact that their medication can be abused by some people, and probably scare them off taking it again (just what we need, lots of unmedicated ADD patients wandering around).

On the other hand, I wonder if this course will apply to people who are caught driving while under the influence of cough medicine, over-the-counter tranquilizers or painkillers, or other drugs?

The answer to the second one is an obvious one.. it doesnt apply because as bad as those drugs are, there is no testing or legislation to cover them, like there is for opiate, weed and amphetamine.

(Oh, wait, thats right, opiates arent tested for either)

I think that’s a great idea. People who drink and drive or who drive whilst stoned out of their gourds are clearly doing it because they don’t know that it’s a bad idea. Once the know, they’ll stop.

bd84 said :

Habitual drink drivers should have their cars crushed then sent to jail.

There isn’t even enough room in the jail for prisoners at the moment, and now you want to clutter it up with crushed cars as well?