Tasmanians caught driving under the influence of drugs has more than doubled compared to last year’s Easter police blitz.
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Operation Crossroads reached its sixth day on Wednesday, with speeding offences and drug-driving significantly higher than the same period last year.
The state’s serious crashes halved compared to 2016 leaving Tasmania Police pleased with the overall behaviour of drivers.
Random drug and alcohol testing was up from 14,319 last year to 17,133 in 2017.
More than half of the 113 drivers tested for drugs returned a positive reading.
Drug-driving was up more than 140 per cent compared to 2016.
In a statement released on Wednesday, police said the high number of drug-drivers was linked to an increase in roadside testing.
Drug testing, known as oral fluid testing, was conducted by police based on local knowledge, observations and driver behaviour.
Police said this method was another reason there was a much higher positive result per test.
Seven hundred and seven drivers were caught speeding over the Easter period, with 30 of those fined for doing more than 30kmh over the speed limit.
“Tasmania Police ask each and every motorist to drive carefully and be continually aware of the ‘fatal five’ – the five biggest contributors to serious and fatal accidents on our roads.”
The fatal five include:
- Speed
- Failure to wear seatbelts or helmets
- Alcohol and drugs
- Distraction
- Driving whilst tired