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Driver, open wide for swab
Herald Sun | 29may04

MORE than 9000 motorists will be randomly tested for drugs in a world-first initiative by Victoria Police.

The test, which uses a saliva swab to test for cannabis and methamphetamine (or speed), is expected to hit the streets on July 1.

Like random breath-testing for alcohol, police will not need reasonable suspicion to drug-test drivers - a fact that sets Victoria apart from European countries where the test is done.

"This is unique legislation," said Inspector Martin Boorman.

The random drug-testing would be used as a public deterrent but, he said, police would particularly focus on drivers of heavy vehicles and areas where raves and dance parties take place.

Those who test positive will be charged with a traffic offence.

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SevenLeafs

I agree with this, but I have a few questions. Does this test show if the person tested is under the influence of MJ? as in, has smoked in less than 4 hours? Because it might as well be that the traces of MJ that are in your mouth have been there for 4 days??

Again, I'm asking a question because I don't know anything about this (and the article doesn't give much info either), but if the test accurately shows "recent" use, then I'm all for it, you shouldn't be driving under the influence of ANY drug (caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, MJ, etc. etc...)

Peace.7L

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rich

Shouldn't drive under the influence of caffeine? That would make most drivers a criminal on a daily basis.

bongwater

yeah I'm for it if it can show recent traces, like within the last 4 hours. But if it can't tell when you used a drug, then it is ridicoulous and shouldn't be allowed. The article doesn't really give any information so I am assuming it's because they don't want to let out that it can't tell when the drugs were used.

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smoking_joe_lee

I don't like the idea of anyone driving while intoxicated but...
When testing for alcohol there is an agreed upon level that says, "you're wasted!" In the US,for example, this is .08% blood/alcohol. Will the swab system work in a similar way? Is there an accepted maximim thc, or meth level for safe motoring? Do people still use the word "motoring" to mean driving, eh? If I look up the word "eh" in a Canadian dictionary, what would the definition be?
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some dude waaaaay to wasted to go motoring

 

fight4rights

To my knowledge is no current test available to determine whether a person's high. Except of course a policemen's judgment. I'm not sure though.

I don't think they need to have a specified amount as driving intoxicated, because any use of those drugs are illegal, so I'm sure you will get the fine no matter how much, or how little you have in your system.

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StewScum

There shouldnt be a swap test for it at all, especially random swabs. Thats just reason to pull someone over for some officers and swabbing will lead to more car searches, which will lead to more arrest, which will lead to more wasted tax dollars. I agree intoxicated drivers should not drive, but the most effective tests for that is subriety tests. That way you can find out if the driver is able to physically control his own body. If the driver fails that, then he shouldnt be on the road. If not, then he is most likely not a danger to himself or the enviroment.
Down with swab!

PsYch0siS

Random swabbing is the scarriest thing I've heard of in a while.

I say that if we're going to test randomly anywhere, it should be congress. But who can test congress randomly enough to keep the news from leaking?

...There's this one cokehead I've heard of...

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Greenbud

I agree with 7L and bongwater. Does this test determine if the individual recently smoked marijuana or does it work like a urine test and pick up trace amounts in the system from days or weeks ago? If it's the latter, and they're making random traffic stops to check people, then no one is safe. And if you refuse to take the test I guess they place you under arrest and search your vehicle. I mean, it's one thing to show them your license and registration at a random stop, but to submit involuntarily to a drug test? Drug testing is one thing if you're applying for a job, but this is an outright violation of privacy. Next thing you know, they'll make you take a drug test to even get your DL.

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freshair

Your body is your home. And to have someone swab it and take your choices to do what you want with your home is serious. In most cases people driving on marijuana drive slower and take more care on how they drive. They are mellow enough not to flip out and get road rage. ANd it even helps people to be more agile as i was reading on a recent article posted on here.
"Cannabinoids are useful therapeutic agents for movement disorders and have potential as neuroprotective agents to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases," such as Parkinson's disease and Tourette's syndrome, said Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Director of Movement Disorders at the University of South Florida in Miami.
I would rather have these people on the road with pot then without so they can aviod that twitch that makes the stearing wheel pull hard and cause an accident.