Independent Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell has praised the efforts of NSW Police following the release of figures today that confirm far too many motorists continue to ignore warnings and drive under the influence of illicit drugs.
Fardell spoke on the issue earlier this week as she prepared to visit Canowindra and Eugowra for interviews.
"I feel vindicated for leading calls to introduce these laws but upset at the same time to see that so many people have such a flagrant disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users that they would get behind a steering wheel under the influence of cannabis, ecstasy or amphetamines," Mrs Fardell said.
Mrs Fardell says statistics released by NSW Police Minister David Campbell today should act as a further warning to drivers who think they can get away with driving after taking these drugs.
"Figures show that within the first 8-months of the new law's operation, 71 people have been detected driving with either, cannabis, ecstasy or amphetamine in their system, or a combination of all three," Mrs Fardell said.
Mrs Fardell says this is particularly disappointing given the fact that this issue has been extensively discussed in media and through public awareness campaigns.
"Obviously not everyone has received the message that driving under the influence of illicit drugs is not only dangerous, but it is illegal," Mrs Fardell said.
Mrs Fardell says NSW Police are to be praised for working hard to make our roads safer but must be given additional resources to enforce these laws to their full extent.
"A second drug testing unit is required and I call on the Government to do what is necessary to make this happen," Mrs Fardell said.
Mrs Fardell said it was disappointing to see that only 3,200 drivers were subjected to the random roadside drug tests over the 8-month period during what the Government described as targeted operations.
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"It's not just streets close to nightclubs or the open highway where drug drivers are likely to appear, they even lurk in quiet suburban streets in the city and the country," Mrs Fardell said.
"The laws, which were passed in September last year, must be built upon. There are plenty more substances which impair a persons ability to drive readily available and the amount of random roadside drug tests must be increased throughout NSW," Mrs Fardell said.