POLICE have caught nearly 90 drug and drink drivers during a traffic blitz in the North East, with one in three drivers testing positive to methamphetamine or cannabis.
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Officers ran the 24-day operation during the Christmas and new year period and caught 57 drug drivers.
They tested 177 motorists for ice and cannabis, with a strike rate of 32 per cent.
From a safety point of view, it’s pretty undesirable ... it’s a high number
- Acting Senior Sergeant Cameron Roberts
A further 32 drink drivers were nabbed from 11,643 breath tests.
Acting Senior Sergeant Cameron Roberts said it was “disturbing that we know they're driving amongst us”.
“From a safety point of view, it’s pretty undesirable,” he said.
“It’s a high number.
“The bulk of those were detected in the Moira Shire, but they did the bulk of the drug testing.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Roberts said many drivers were used to the idea that drug testing was frequently undertaken.
“We’ve got to work within what we’re given,” he said.
“We’d welcome any opportunity for testing to increase.
“I think if it did increase, we’d probably see an increase in detection consistent with an increase in screening.
“The results are consistent with the strike rate which we’re averaging at the moment, which is one in three.”
Police also caught nearly 400 people speeding, 32 people without seatbelts and other offences.
The road operation, which finished at the weekend, came amid a soaring 2016 road toll which saw 21 deaths on the Victorian side of the border.
“The road toll is significantly up along with serious injuries,” Acting Senior Sergeant Roberts said.
“It's been a big increase.
“People just tend to be so blasé that until it involves someone they know, then it takes on a whole new complexion.
“I don't think a lot of people appreciate the potential impact it can have on them.
“For each life lost on the road, there's a ripple effect back through their families, friends, work colleagues, the broader community and the people who have to go to the crash.”
