Australia targets drugged drivers

Police say drugs like Ecstasy can be as dangerous as alcohol for drivers

Police in the Australian state of Victoria have begun randomly testing drivers for the drug ecstasy.

The force says it has developed ground-breaking technology to detect the presence of the drug in drivers' saliva and blood.

The state government, which already tests for cannabis and amphetamines, says motorists who take drugs are as dangerous as those who drink and drive.

The test is thought to be the first of its kind in the world.

Last year more than 40 percent of drivers killed on Victoria's roads had traces of drugs other than alcohol.

Martin Boarman, from Victoria police, says truck drivers and party-goers will come under particular scrutiny.

Dangerous driving

"Right throughout the programme we've been targeting high risk areas and groups - transport routes with heavy vehicle drivers and places of entertainment where people go to dance parties."

The test is done using a hand-held device to analyse a sample of saliva to see if ecstasy is present.

Further analysis is then carried out in a laboratory to determine if charges are to be laid.

First time offenders face a heavy fine and a six-month driving ban.

Ecstasy is a man-made psycho-active drug said to impair driving skills as users can experience a false sense of bravado and can also fall asleep suddenly.