Take drug driving off the Road
A road safety guide on how to detect and report drug driving on Victorian ROads
Drug driving is a serious offence that can put Victorians at risk of road trauma.
When you take drugs you may feel capable of driving, but in reality, the moment you take drugs and sit in the driver’s seat, you’ve lost control.
Depending on the drug intake, combination of drugs and if the drug is prescription medication or an illegal substance, drugs will alter your ability to drive. With the effects of drugs often unpredictable, every time you take drugs and drive will be different making it extremely dangerous for yourself and those sharing the road.
It is essential for Victorians to lookout for each other and work towards making our roads safer for everyone. Understanding the side effects of drug-driving and the serious penalties involved, can help Victorians identify and report drug-driving behaviour and encourage individuals to STOP driving after taking drugs.
While every drug will have a different effect on the individual, most drugs will reduce your ability to drive. Even if you feel capable of driving safely after taking drugs, your coordination and reactions on the road will be delayed and can result in serious harm to yourself and others.
Drivers who take CANNABIS may experience:
Drowsiness
Slowed down reaction times
Distorted perception of speed
Reduced concentration when driving
Reduced coordination when driving
Drivers who take METHAMPHETAMINE OR ECSTASY may experience:
Over-confidence, reckless decision making and risk taking behaviour
on the road
Insomnia caused by methamphetamine may can affect a driver’s
reflex and concentration
When mixing drugs with different drugs (legal or illegal) or with alcohol, the results can be even more dangerous.
Arrange a sober driver, friend or family member to pick or drop you off, arrange an overnight stay or use public transport or a taxi.
Being aware of the side effects of drugs can help road users detect and report drug-driving offenders. If a driver is swerving outside their designated lane, is driving too slow or too fast, and/or is driving erratically, they may be under the influence of drugs and should be reported to the police.
If someone is driving dangerously call Victoria Police on 000 immediately.
If you know someone who takes drugs and drives, this is suspicious drug-driving behaviour and can be reported confidentially through Crime Stoppers without your name, location or personal details being recorded.
Drivers caught driving with illicit drugs in their system face harsh penalties. Police have the power to give drug-drivers penalties for the following offences:
Failing a roadside drug test
Driving while impaired by a drug
Refusing to undertake a roadside drug test and/or impairment test by Victoria Police.
If you are found guilty of Driving While Impaired, you will face a serious penalty and depending on whether it’s your first offence or if you have had a drug offence before, different penalties apply. Penalties may include:
Court appearance (The court may also record a conviction)
Fine (up to 12 penalty units)
Licence cancellation
Completion of an Intensive Drink and Drug Driver Change Program
Zero BAC condition for a period of time
Working with Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers is encouraging Victorians to report drug-driving information to help keep our roads safe.
IF SOMEONE IS DRIVING DANGEROUSLY CALL VICTORIA POLICE ON 000 IMMEDIATELY.