The TAC launched a new public education campaign in July 2009 targeting occasional cannabis users. This campaign, spearheaded by a 90 second television commercial highlights the types of impairments that are experienced when you drive after taking cannabis and the impact that this can have on yourself and others. The effect of any drug varies from person to person. Some of the common effects of cannabis include impaired mental function such as the ability to concentrate and react in driving situations. The new advertisement depicts a drug driver whose driving skills are imparied. The impairments that he displays include stopping for longer than necessary at a stop sign, misjudging the road edge and going over the kerb, travelling on the midline of the roadway and lack of awareness when stopping in an unsafe environment. A recent report from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (Kong. F, 2009) found that 60% of drug users had driven a motor vehicle in the last six months within one hour of taking any illicit drugs. Of the 61% reporting driving under the influence of drugs, 75% admitted to using ecstasy, 70% for amphetamine type stimulants* and 85% for cannabis. Furthermore, just over half of people who admitted to drug use while driving believed that they were not impaired in any way. Since random roadside drug testing began in December 2004, approximately 84,562 tests have been conducted, with 1,367 drivers caught drug driving. "If you drive on drugs You're out of your mind" Transport Accident Commission Victoria.
'The Cell' TAC's anti drug driving TV ad
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