NEW GENERATION, NEW PROBLEMS

EARLIER this month the state quietly marked the 25th anniversary of a
singular milestone in the history of road safety - roadside random
breath testing.

Within a short period, RBT triggered a social revolution that saved
an estimated 20,000 lives.

Drink-driving became synonymous with stupid behaviour, low-alcohol
beer sales shot up and designated drivers were expected to stay sober
at both public and private social functions.

Now it is obvious a new generation of drivers must undergo a similar
metamorphosis in their attitudes, this time to so-called party drugs.

A report in this newspaper today reveals shocking evidence of how
groups of young people are prepared to risk their own lives and those
of others by mixing drugs with driving.

A survey of partygoers revealed 38 per cent had taken ecstasy at some
time before driving, 30 per cent had snorted methamphetamines and 20
per cent had taken cocaine or ice before driving.

Putting aside the short-and-long-term risks of these illegal drugs on
the health and mental state of users, there is no dispute that these
mind-altering substances impair the capacity to handle a vehicle.

Yet these young drivers have the view that it is OK and they will not
get caught. They have wrongly convinced themselves they are
invincible and it is a victimless crime anyway.

Police Minister David Campbell has labelled these attitudes
"moronic". He is understating it.

Mr Campbell's announcement that a 12-month roadside drug-testing
program, so far barely more than a trial, is to be expanded with two
new testing trucks is welcome.

Maybe 25 years from now the state will be celebrating thousands more
lives saved as young partygoers are trained to consider the
well-being of others also navigating the roads.

The Daily Telegraph would like to wish all its readers all the very
best for 2008, as well as a safe New Year's Eve on the roads.