Seven positive detections to drug driving in three days

Police have reported seven positive detections to drug driving in three days in Narrabri.

Traffic Highway Command with the assistance of Narrabri Sector general duties police conducted driver checks throughout Narrabri township late last week.

The increase in detections follows a recent report by The Courier in relation to concerns voiced by police that instances of drink driving and anti-social behaviour at licensed venues had risen.

A 30-year-old man was stopped at 6.20pm on May 16 and returned an alleged positive detection to cannabis and methamphetamine.

At 6.15pm on May 17, a 41-year-old man returned an alleged detection to cocaine.

A 45-year-old man was stopped at 9.35pm on May 17 and returned an alleged positive detection to cannabis and methamphetamine.

A 35-year-old man returned an alleged positive detection to cannabis and methamphetamine at 3.05pm on July 18.

At 3.50pm on May 18, a 31-year-old man returned an alleged positive detection to methamphetamine and cannabis.

A 35-year-old man returned an alleged positive detection to methamphetamine at 5.45pm on May 18.

A 24-year-old man returned an alleged positive detection to cocaine at 8.40pm on May 18.

All results are subject to further analysis.

The drivers were all issued with 24 hour prohibitions from driving.

Motorists have been advised to expect an increase in random drug testing on local roads following the increase in drug driving offences.

Illegal drugs have various effects when it comes to driving, causing changes in the brain that can impair driving ability and increase the likelihood of a crash.

If people are affected by alcohol or other drugs, trying to drive or ride home is a danger not only to themselves but to passengers and other motorists.

For safety and wellbeing, people are asked to have a plan B to go home.

In addition to the increased police presence, officers will this year benefit from a change in technology when it comes to drug driver testing.

The change is anticipated to shorten the time frame it takes to conduct testing.