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Drug driving from a user's perspective

Davey, Jeremy D. and Davies, Amanda and French, Nicole and Williams, Clive K. and Lang, Cathryne P. (2005) Drug driving from a user's perspective. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy 12(1):pp. 61-70.

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Abstract

The bulk of research into drug driving in Australia has been undertaken from a road safety orientation where drug driving is viewed within the broader context of road safety and driver behaviour. Such a specific focus precludes the broader behavioural, contextual and cultural issues associated with substance use. This study aimed to address this issue by focusing on drug driving behaviour within the context of illicit substance use. A series of focused interviews were conducted with 211 illicit drug users from urban and regional centres. A consistent theme identified in the interviews was that drug driving was not necessarily viewed as risky behaviour but rather as an outcome of illicit substance use. Further, some interviewees saw their drug use as enhancing their driving skills and frequently the motor vehicle was viewed as a safe place to use. Overall there was agreement among interviewees that the likelihood of being apprehended for drug driving by police was minimal, this perception was reinforced by past experience. The lack of concern for detection of drug driving behaviour suggests that research should continue into the development and implementation of enforcement programs and roadside detection. Addresses: Davey J (reprint author), Queensland Univ Technol, Ctr Accident Res & Rd Safety Queensland, Beams Rd, Carseldine, Qld 4034 Australia Queensland Univ Technol, Ctr Accident Res & Rd Safety Queensland, Carseldine, Qld 4034 Australia

Item Type:Journal Article
RM Number:2006000772
Status:Published
Keywords:Substance Abuse
Subjects:350000 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services > 350400 Transportation > 350405 Road and Rail Transportation
ID Code:8405
Deposited By:Matthews-McBride, Judith
Deposited On:02 July 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09687630410001731137
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2005 Taylor & Francis
Additional Information:For more information, please refer to the journal’s website (see hypertext link) or contact the author. Author contact details: j.davey@qut.edu.au