NCJ Number
199682
Date Published
August 2002
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the extent of driving while under the influence of drugs among police detainees in Australia.
Abstract
The main objectives of this study were to describe the extent of drug driving among detainees in police watch houses; analyze patterns of drug use by these drivers; describe the sociodemographic profile of these drivers; inform legislative and policy deliberations in relation to drug driving; and suggest options for future directions for monitoring, research, and development of appropriate policy in relation to drug driving. To estimate the extent of drug driving in police detainees, the study examined recent drug use in a sample of traffic detainees from four Australian police stations from 1999 to 2001. Drug use was measured by urinalysis drug detection testing for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, methadone, and opiates. Findings indicate that 71 percent tested positive to at least one of the six drug classes, and 47 percent tested positive to drugs other than cannabis. Fifty-five percent tested positive for cannabis, which was the most frequently detected drug. Thirty-seven percent tested positive to multiple drugs, with 19 percent testing positive to multiple drugs other than cannabis. Shortly before arrest, 37 percent had used potentially impairing drugs or medications, and 38 percent had used alcohol. Traffic detainees that tested positive were predominantly male, with a mean age of 28. Half did not have a current license, 32 percent had been charged with vehicle theft offenses, and 19 percent had been charged with drunk driving. Considerations for the development of legislative approaches include roadside screening, random testing, and compulsory blood testing. Options for monitoring and research include police diversion and drug courts, driver licensing, targeting recidivist drunk drivers, and custodial programs. 10 figures, 28 tables, 52 references, 7 appendices