Drug Driving - an even bigger menace?

[alexkp]

Probably the strongest argument against the legalisation of drugs I have always thought:

http://cars.msn.co.uk/carnews/drugdrivingsep05/

[Plotloss]

Being impaired due to drugs has absolutely nothing to do with the legality of a substance.

You can have your licence taken away if you are impaired from too much Benelyn or any other drug.

[Eric Mc]

Would making currently banned drugs legal improve the situation ragarding danger on the roads?

[Plotloss]

Eric Mc said:

Would making currently banned drugs legal improve the situation ragarding danger on the roads?

I think it would allow a framework of measures to be created which dont currently exist.

But then there isnt a framework for impairment due to legal drugs either.

Perhaps we are just missing a trick here in general.

[andy mac]

Didn't one survey equate the reactions a lot of older peeps have with being over the limit?

[planetdave]

A sample of 124 is pretty pathetic to go on.

The biggest problem is surely that there are not enough BiB to run down the obviously impaired be they coffin dodgers or the seriously stoned.

[Code Monkey]

Thats ok the cameras will get them, or the traffic calming or the additional chicanes that make you drive towards the on coming traffic these will all help..

[dieseljohn]

Article said:

124 drivers checked for drug driving, 16 of those tested positive.

It would be nice if they elaborated on that. As it said in the aricle blood tests can identify canabis use for up to 4 weeks. Hair tests longer, depending on how long your hair is.

If this is what they mean by testing positive then I know many people that have been 'drug driving' every day for the last few years. Doesn't mean they drive when they are impaired.

I also remeber a motoring program, probably 5th gear, where they made a guy do a hazard cause sober then after a spliff and he scored better after because he was paranoid about having an accident.

>> Edited by dieseljohn on Thursday 15th September 10:56

[Plotloss]

Also doesnt say what they tested positive for and the fact that testing positive isnt an offence. You can be driving along with heroin, LSD, cocaine, benelyn, paracetemol and anything else in your blood as long as you arent impaired you are not breaking a law.

I can only summise that its a slow news day.

[GreenV8S]

So now you're saying that speed kills?

[shadytree]

Plotloss said:

Also doesnt say what they tested positive for and the fact that testing positive isnt an offence. You can be driving along with heroin, LSD, cocaine, benelyn, paracetemol and anything else in your blood as long as you arent impaired you are not breaking a law. I can only summise that its a slow news day.

I take offence to the generalisation of drug usage ! I often get a headache whilst drving in heavy traffic and need a paracetemol !

[Plotloss]

Seems like a waste of a nice polished surface to me

[JagLover]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I don't think so

Driving while Drunk is also highly dangerous and yet alcohol is legal.

[Mr Whippy]

It's all down to people.

Those who drive irresponsibly, even while very tired or with a bad headache or poor eye sight are a danger.

Drugs legal or illegal it matters not, it's the user and their respect for other road users.

Even more reason we need more Plod, since more and more people probably drive now without even worrying about being pulled over!

Dave