Drug-driving danger for SA
2011-05-13 08:48
DRUG TESTING: The Cozart DDS used at a police roadblock to detect drug use.
Johannesburg, South Africa – Figures released by Concateno, an international drug and alcohol testing company, reveal that drug-driving in South Africa is perceived as a widespread problem as serious as drinking and driving.
The findings coincide with the Africa Health Exhibition and Congress in Johannesburg. The company compiled its data from a poll of 2000 business contacts within South Africa and 100% of respondents felt that driving under the influence of narcotics was a problem. The survey also revealed that 100% agreed that driving while under the influence of drugs was as dangerous as drinking and driving.
Commenting on the findings, Dave Evans from ALCO-Safe, Concateno’s South African-based partner, said that driving while under the influence of drugs was a danger to South African motorists.
ROADSIDE DETECTION
“The findings show that drug driving is seen to be a real and present danger for road users here. Recognising this, the police have shown a keen interest in how roadside screening solutions might work to help tackle the problem. Testing for drug driving in this way could be an important development in road safety in the country,” said Evans.
Concateno currently provides drug driving screening programmes in various countries using its mobile handheld device, the Cozart DDS.
The company’s drug-driving expert Iain Forcer commented: “Our roadside testing experience across the world demonstrates that using innovative and proven screening technology, combined with driver awareness programmes, is a significant factor in deterring drug driving.”
Data from Australia, according to Victoria Police Inspector Martin Boorman, showed roadside drug-testing technology was extremely successful "and has certainly helped to make our roads safer".
“Roadside testing, much like roadside alcohol screening, is as a deterrent but also provides the police with a quick and effective means to help catch people who drive after using illegal substances."
