Drugged drivers caught

The Bay of Plenty is the country's worst district for drugged driving with 34 motorists caught under the influence since new laws were introduced.
Of those 34 - described by Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Kevin Taylor as the highest catch rate in New Zealand by a "country mile" - 18 were caught by Western Bay police.
Other Bay of Plenty areas were significantly lower, with Rotorua police testing seven drivers, Taupo officers catching six and Eastern Bay of Plenty staff stopping two.
Mr Taylor said the figures related to the police units that caught the drivers. For example, the Western Bay booze bus could carry out an operation in the Eastern Bay and the figures would relate back to Western Bay.
Mr Taylor said the figures relating to the entire district were "significantly high".
Since new laws were introduced last November 1, 181 drivers across New Zealand had been caught and tested for driving under the influence of drugs. Nearly 90 per cent returned a positive blood test for drugs.
The most common drug found was cannabis (56 per cent), followed by methamphetamine (12 per cent) then methadone (8 per cent).
Mr Taylor said cannabis slowed reaction time.
"It influences your decision making, reduces your reaction time and alters your perception of speed and distance.
"Similar to alcohol and driving, drugs and driving should be mutually exclusive activities."
The compulsory impairment test police conducted included an eye assessment, co-ordination tests, a walk-and-turn assessment and a one-leg stand assessment.
Mr Taylor said the high number of people caught in the Western Bay of Plenty was reasonably surprising, however police did not know what to expect.
"We knew this was an issue, not just in the Western Bay but nationally, and that's why the legislation was pushed through," he said.
Mr Taylor said there were several factors which could have influenced the high figure, including general disregard for the law.
"Similar to those who drink alcohol and drive, it seems these people are willing to risk everyone else's safety," he said.
"Maybe people are slow learners or they just have an appalling attitude and don't care."
Mr Taylor said the high figures in the Western Bay could also be put down to the fact that the region had a large population and a large number of staff who were trained to conduct compulsory impairment tests.
The second-highest region throughout New Zealand for impaired drivers was Southern (25) followed by Waitemata (21), then Waikato (18).
Mr Taylor said all those who had been tested and caught for driving while impaired were prosecuted.
Depending on the level of impairment and driver action, a driver under the influence of drugs could face a maximum fine of $4500, a maximum prison sentence of three months and a minimum licence disqualification period of six months. For those caught for a third or subsequent time, the penalties were more severe.
Mr Taylor said the number of people using drugs had increased over the years.
He said there was a significant drug culture in New Zealand where "we have a large number of people who use drugs recreationally and it's obvious that some of them are choosing to drive as well".
Mr Taylor was pleased with the results so far and said the new law was effective.
"The new legislation is another tool that we can use to deal with this specific issue that has been on the radar for some time and it is being used to great effect," he said.
BY THE NUMBERS
Five regions with the highest catch rate of impaired drivers
Bay of Plenty 34
Southern District 25
Waitemata 21
Waikato District 18
Northland 15