DRUGS PUT SWERVE ON DRIVING SKILLS

MOTORISTS under the influence of ecstacy have excellent "weaving"
driving skills but are no good at judging distances whereas
methamphetamine users are careless and irritable drivers.

Marijuana smokers are slow on the road.

While the detrimental effects of alcohol on driving are well
documented, scientists are still learning what impact various illegal
drugs have on driving skills.

A State Government survey which investigated the rate of drug use and
driving revealed that experimental studies showed ecstasy users who
were stupid enough to get behind the wheel were significantly impaired.

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre study, initiated by NSW
Police and funded by the Roads and Traffic Authority, comes 12 months
after roadside drug testing began in NSW.

While research using simulated driving has found small improvements
in tracking and weaving during road tasks, just one dose of MDMA
(ecstasy) was found to slow down drivers who could not accurately
judge how long it would take to crash into another car.

Studies showed that changing speed was another skill found to
seriously deteriorate in drivers under the influence of ecstasy.

While motorists who ingested a range of narcotics found it difficult
to judge the distance between cars.

Surprisingly, the survey found very low doses of methamphetamines
such as speed or base were found to have improved reaction time in drivers.

But those who drove drugged up on amphetamines would drive
dangerously and make inappropriate and careless decisions.

Drivers who had consumed methamphetamine were also much more inclined
to have microsleeps and have a tendency to become irritable, anxious
and fatigued as they came down from the drug.

The Daily Telegraph yesterday interviewed young drivers about drug
driving and found many knew of friends who were caught by the police.

Newtown resident Camilla said she was one of the 5600 people who had
been pulled over and checked for illegal substances in the past 12 months.

"I've been fine because I am responsible," the 29-year-old said.

Camilla said she had heard of people who were more likely to take
drugs and drive than risk driving under the influence of alcohol and
said younger people were more likely to take risks.

"When you're younger you're not as careful," she said.