A HIGH ranked Limestone Coast police officer has lashed out at motorists who drive affected by illicit substances with children as passengers.
“These drivers are irresponsible and are putting children at unnecessary risk,” Mount Gambier officer in charge senior sergeant Chris King said yesterday.
His comments follow a 20-year-old Mount Gambier man allegedly being caught driving with a 10-month-old baby in his car with methamphetamine detected in his system.
The man was stopped by police on Crouch Street South last Thursday afternoon and was submitted to a drug driving test where he returned a positive result to methamphetamine.
According to police, the man – who held a provisional driver’s licence – will be summonsed to attend the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court at a later date.
His sample will be sent to Forensic Science SA for further analysis.
Snr Sgt King said new legislation came into effect in April last year in relation to alcohol and drug driving offences when there was a child in the vehicle aged under 16.
“The penalties for these offences have not changed and most contain a period of licence disqualification as a penalty option,” the police officer said.
“The intent of the government was to ensure that a person who commits one of these offences whilst there is a child present in the vehicle, undergoes a professional assessment at the end of the disqualification period before being issued a licence again.”
He said this was applicable despite whether the offence was referred to court or a fine was issued.
“It is even more irresponsible as an adult to place a child in danger when driving whilst affected by alcohol or drugs,” Snr Sgt King said.
“Research has shown that drink and drug driving are major contributors to death and serious injury on South Australian roads.”
The penalties for drink and drug driving include fines up to $2900, imprisonment, licence disqualification, loss of demerit points, vehicle impoundment or forfeiture.
Snr Sgt King urged motorists to plan ahead and consider:
– Nominating a designated driver.
– Organising someone to transport you to and from the venue.
– Catching public transport.
– Catching a taxi or consider ride sharing.
– Staying the night.
