DRUGS TESTING FOR OTAGO MOTORISTS

Southern Police Have New Powers

Motorists around Otago now run the risk of being tested for drug
impairment, as part of a trial of new police powers in the region.

Southern District Highway Patrol team leader Senior Sergeant Carey
Griffiths, of Dunedin, confirmed yesterday the southern district's
traffic alcohol group had completed training in the new impairment and
drug recognition tests.

The six-strong squad was based in Invercargill but covered Otago and
Southland roads. The unit had been operating since completing training
at the beginning of May, but Snr Sgt Griffiths said he was not aware
of any motorists suspected of being impaired by drugs who had been
tested yet.

The problem of drug-impaired motorists was believed to be limited in
Otago, but results in the region would provide a point of contrast
with other regions also trialing the new tests.

"The most common drug we find people under the influence of on the
roads is alcohol. If someone has drunk alcohol and smoked a couple of
joints they are going to be picked up on the alcohol," Snr Sgt
Griffiths said.

The trial was ongoing and aimed to build up a picture of how many
motorists were impaired by drugs, including the numbers involved in
crashes that were similarly impaired, he said. Drugs tested for could
range from illegal substances to prescription medication, such as
sleeping pills.

Tests ranged from the obvious - whether a suspect could balance, walk
in a straight line, or even get out of their car without falling over
- - to the more subtle, including eye examinations. Those tested would
be filmed.

However, Snr Sgt Griffiths stressed the tests were designed to aid
front-line staff in deciding whether to proceed to the next level -
expensive evidential medical testing. Nobody would fail on the basis
of one test.

It was an offence to drive a vehicle while impaired by a drug and the
penalties matched those for drink-driving, but Snr Sgt Griffiths said
the issue rested on whether someone was judged to be impaired enough
by a drug to be incapable of driving safely.

"They can be under the influence of drugs, but the question is, are
they incapable of being in control of a motor vehicle - and that is a
test that needs to be done at the time."