Checkpoint Drug Tests For Drivers In Australia

[theearthisround]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Drug-tests-for-drivers-a-world-first/2004/11/30/1101577485428.html?oneclick=true

"Victorian motorists will become the first in the world to undergo random roadside saliva testing for illegal drugs later this month - and police have warned that those found with any trace of the drugs will be prosecuted."

"The tests, beginning on December 13, will detect cannabis and methamphetamines, which include speed and potentially ecstasy, under a 12-month pilot project."

"Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said yesterday that police would initially target those in the long-haul trucking industry and people who had attended nightclubs and dance parties."

"Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner (traffic) Bob Hastings said that, initially, one drug bus would conduct the tests during targeted operations as other police were trained.

He said about 9000 tests would be conducted over the next year, and drivers with any positive reading would be prosecuted."

[Scrooge]

1. thats bull

I am TOTALLY against those random stops!! Put more cops on the street and test the ones that are swerving! The random stops are such bullshit!!

[Tace]

2. The Common Man Is So Thoroughly Screwed

I wish I could see light at the end of the tunnel. I only see the boot grinding our faces.

[Mike Niendorff]

12. The Common Man is paying for his own chains.

As always.


MDN

[MatrixEscape]

3. Police planet, ey?

That is rediculous. How are the people down under reacting to this?

If the Serfs keep letting the presumption of guilt go unabated, we might as all be inmates from birth and submit to the Lords.

[Barrett808]

4. Well, they did re-elect Howard

So perhaps this is what the majority of Aussies want.

[Gyre]

5. The People do get the

government they deserve. The Aussies must've been very, very, asleep.

Gyre

[AndyTiedye]

6. People Often Get Whatever Government Can Force Its Way Into Power

> The People do get the government they deserve.

We didn't deserve to have our country stolen from us.
I wouldn't presume to say the Aussies deserve this either.

[no safe haven]

10. For the record

This is a state initiative, not a federal one, so Howard has nothing to do with this. The state of Victoria has a Labor govt., as do all Australian states. Truck drivers are being targeted in many states because of their allegedly taking amphetamines for long hauls and near impossible deadlines and are subsequently being blamed for causing carnage on the roads, which has raised a fair amount of controversy.

So far no one is proposing that party goers in general be tested for drugs, only those who choose to drive.

[dArKeR]

7. Politcian and tv, radio host drug testing. When do we enforce this?

[genieroze]

8. cannabis can stay in urine for a month

how about saliva. With any trace that would have even affected Clinton and he didn't inhale.

[hangloose]

9. those Ozzies are serious about driving. They don't fool around

the population as a whole is very careful about drinking and driving. It seems their taking the next step. I travel to Australia on a regular basis and I don't drink (even One beer) and drive.

[Baclava]

11. "The drug bus?"

I wonder how easy it would be to corrupt saliva tests.