A third of people caught drink or drug driving in NSW are aged 18-25 years but interestingly this was not the age group with the highest proportion of people caught.

A recent media report highlighted the number of young people caught drink or drug driving. Although these stats are from NSW this report is consistent with reports from Melbourne-based Youth AOD services who are reporting to YoDAA that many young people who use ice are continuing to drive vehicles in the belief that they won't get caught. Similarly Youth AOD services have reported that some young people are suggesting synthetic cannibinoids are not detectable by roadside drug testing. The fact that young people make up such a large proportion of those caught also highlights a constant harm reduction challenge for youth workers encouraging safe practices with young people where it is age appropriate to take physical risks (over social ones) and to be more concerned about the present moment than future harms.

 

Any comments? Contact us and let us know, we'd love to hear from you.