The random drug testing of drivers has begun in the southern Australian state of Victoria. The authorities have said the checks are the first of their kind in the world and have been introduced to cut the number of drug-affected motorists dying on the roads. This report from Phil Mercer:
Victoria's Police Minister, Andre Haermeyer, said that a third of drivers killed on the state's roads last year tested positive to drugs other than alcohol. He said the roadside checks were a world first. They'll target people who've used cannabis and methamphetamines at nightclubs and dance parties. Truck drivers who take drugs to stay awake to meet deadlines will also face scrutiny. Drivers will be asked to place a small absorbent pad on their tongues for a few seconds.
The screening of saliva won't detect prescription drugs or medication such as cold or flu tablets. Drivers testing positive will then be required to give a second sample, which will be sent to a laboratory. Those found to have used illegal substances will be fined and could lose their licence. An Australian survey recently revealed that one in four men under the age of twenty-five said they had driven a car after taking an illegal drug.
Phil Mercer, BBC News, Sydney
tested positive
failed a drugs test
target
aim at
scrutiny
careful and thorough examination of someone or something
absorbent
able to take in liquids easily
pad
something made of or filled with soft material, used to protect something
screening
tests done to make sure that someone does not have a particular disease
saliva
the liquid that is produced naturally in the mouth
detect
notice or discover something, especially something that is not easy to see or hear
prescription drugs
drugs that can only be obtained with a written order from the doctor
Victoria's Police Minister, Andre Haermeyer, said that a third of drivers killed on the state's roads last year tested positive to drugs other than alcohol. He said the roadside checks were a world first. They'll target people who've used cannabis and methamphetamines at nightclubs and dance parties. Truck drivers who take drugs to stay awake to meet deadlines will also face scrutiny. Drivers will be asked to place a small absorbent pad on their tongues for a few seconds.
The screening of saliva won't detect prescription drugs or medication such as cold or flu tablets. Drivers testing positive will then be required to give a second sample, which will be sent to a laboratory. Those found to have used illegal substances will be fined and could lose their licence. An Australian survey recently revealed that one in four men under the age of twenty-five said they had driven a car after taking an illegal drug.
Phil Mercer, BBC News, Sydney
tested positive
failed a drugs test
target
aim at
scrutiny
careful and thorough examination of someone or something
absorbent
able to take in liquids easily
pad
something made of or filled with soft material, used to protect something
screening
tests done to make sure that someone does not have a particular disease
saliva
the liquid that is produced naturally in the mouth
detect
notice or discover something, especially something that is not easy to see or hear
prescription drugs
drugs that can only be obtained with a written order from the doctor
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