Police across South Australia conducted over 1000 drug and alcohol tests in the vicinity of school drop off/pick up areas during Monday’s Stop Drink Drug Drive operation.
The operation saw 136 drug screening tests conducted with a recording of six positive results. Alarmingly, three of the six drivers returning positive drug test results were carrying one or more children in their vehicles.
One driver returned a blood alcohol reading above the legal limit.
The following drivers returned positive drug screening test results for methylamphetamine and THC (cannabis):
* A 28-year-old man from Elizabeth Downs tested positive for methylamphetamine;
* A 42-year-old man from Elizabeth East tested positive for both THC and methylamphetamine;
* A 32-year-old man from Pennington tested positive to THC;
* A 45-year-old woman from Seaford Rise tested positive to methylamphetamine;
* A 19-year-old woman from Whyalla tested positive for both THC and methylamphetamine; and,
* A 41-year-old woman from Gawler West tested positive to methylamphetamine.
Monday’s operation saw a further 934 drivers submitted to an alcotest with one 40-year-old man from Salisbury East returning a blood alcohol reading of 0.07.
Superintended Bob Gray, officer in charge of Traffic Service Branch, said the behaviour of motorists during the operation is alarming.
“There is no excuse for this blatant disregard for road rules,” he said.
“These drivers are not only not putting their own life in danger but that of their passengers and all road users.
To risk the lives of children as a result of their poor choices is reprehensible,” said Supt Gray.
Drivers are reminded that they can be stopped at random by a police officer anywhere at any time in metro and regional SA and tested for alcohol and illicit drugs.
“It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with illicit drugs in your system,” warned Supt Gray.
“Unlike the .05 blood alcohol limit, there is no legal level when it comes to drugs. Traces of drugs can remain in a person’s system for at least 24 hours.”
