OUR SOLUTION

Police Minister Michelle Roberts supports random driver drug testing
(report, 19/5) based on Victorian trials which use newly developed
technology to determine within minutes the presence of illicit drugs like
ecstasy and speed from a saliva sample taken on the roadside.

But why is testing carried out to detect only illicit drugs? There are many
more prescription drugs available and in use by drivers. Are people on
tranquillisers, anti-depressants or strong pain relievers any more capable
of driving than a cocaine user?

Besides, we are being asked to accept the faultless propriety of this new
technology and testing procedure. Even technology is not without fault or
error.

I trust the Minister will refrain from pursuing WA legislative change
approving random drug testing of drivers based on this technology until
trials can demonstrate acceptable results accuracy in the identification of
every illicit and prescription drug that can impair the safe operation of a
vechile, all detected from a roadside swab.

Simon Croft,
Ferndale