DRUG TRIAL TO HELP REDUCE QUEENSLAND ROAD TOLL

QUEENSLAND drivers would be tested for drugs in a roadside trial to be
carried out in the lead up to Christmas, Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer
said last weekend.

The new drug test trials, based on a test already used by California
police, will start later this month and will be carried out in the north
and the far north Queensland police districts.

Mr Bredhauer said depending on the outcome of the drugs trial, it could be
introduced on a permanent basis. "We must do all we can to reduce the road
toll and ensure drivers affected by drugs do not endanger the lives of
other motorists.

"Even pharmaceutical drugs - can affect the way people drive,' he said in a
statement. "Queensland leads the rest of Australia in reducing the road
toll, and if successful this new roadside drug test would further increase
safety on our roads."

A working committee including resentatives from Queensland Transport,
Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service has been working on the
drugs checklist since June.

"Where a driver is suspected of being under the influence of drugs, but
alcohol is not detected, police will use a check-list to screen the driver
for other substances that might affect driving capabilities," Mr Bredhauer
said.

"Breathing, speech, eyes and appearance will be noted on the checklist and
police will also note people's walking behavior."

Checklists have been distributed in north and far north Queensland, and
police training on conducting the new tests has started.

Checked-by: Richard Lake