Qld: Drugs still a problem says drivers' union

00-00-0000
Qld: Drugs still a problem says drivers' union

By John Sheed

BRISBANE, Aug 7 AAP - A survey that showed 26 per cent of trucking companies in Australiaendorsed the use of "stay-awake" drugs by long-distance drivers was just the tip of theiceberg, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) said today.

TWU Queensland secretary Hughie Williams said a report released by the National RoadTransport Commission showed one in four long-distance transport companies endorsed theuse of drugs.

"Given that 80 per cent of freight in Australia is moved by trucks that means thousandsof drivers on the highways are under the influence of drugs," Mr Williams said.

The report said a survey of middle managers in 200 companies found a relatively smallminority (23.5 per cent) endorsed drugs as a helpful strategy to combat fatigue whilea handful (2.5 per cent) rated them as very helpful.

Mr Williams said he believed the drug problem among long distance drivers was far worsethan what was revealed in the survey.

"But for 26 per cent of the companies surveyed to actually admit that they believethe use of drugs is helpful is absolutely disgusting," Mr Williams said.

"These companies are playing with people's lives."

Mr Williams said the drugs included illicit substances such as amphetamines and otherstimulants which had well documented adverse health effects from long term use.

He said a survey by his own union of about 400 drivers found at least 75 per cent hadused drugs to stay alert while driving and that a large percentage were continuing totake them.

"This survey has exposed just the tip of the iceberg," Mr Williams said.

He said governments needed to get tough with rogue transport operators to clean up the industry.

"It needs to be remembered that many of these trucks are carrying dangerous goods suchas fuel, chemicals and pesticides. When you add into the cocktail a drug impaired truckdriver you have an accident waiting to happen."

Mr Williams said in Australia more than 560 people had died in accidents involvingarticulated trucks within the past three years.

AAP jfs/sc/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: TRUCKS QLD