Friday, 27 January 2012 10:55am

Drivers caught in Australia Day testing blitz

During Australia Day, SA Police conducted a 12 hour driver testing operation from midday yesterday as part of Operation Safe Holidays.  During the testing period, 6918 tests were conducted with a total of 48 drink driving and 26 drug driving offences detected. 

A total of 26 motorists were issued with an immediate loss of their driver's licence and 27 vehicles were impounded or had their wheels clamped for 28 days. 

Of particular concern is that of 313 drivers tested for drugs, 26 returned a positive reading.  This result means 1 in 12 drivers tested for drugs returned a positive result.

Detections of Note:            

At Peterborough, a 48 year old man driving a semi-trailer as reported for driving under the influence of drugs.              

Superintendent Fellows, Officer in Charge Traffic Support Branch says "Drivers who take drugs should be aware they may test positive up to 24 hours later if tested whilst driving.    On average 1 in 5 people killed in vehicle crashes test positive for drugs."