Illicit drugs causing more deaths on Australia's roads than alcohol

More motorists are dying as a result of illicit drugs than that of alcohol, new figures from the Australian state of Victoria have revealed on Thursday.

According to Victoria Police, 32 drivers who were killed on the state's roads in 2015 were under the influence of illicit drugs such as ice, cannabis and cocaine. Meanwhile, was a contributor to the deaths of 22 drivers during the same period.

Just over 490 people were injured in cars as a result of illicit drugs, while 506 were injured under the influence of alcohol.

Victoria Police said it would be ramping-up roadside testing for drugs in response to the latest figures as, currently in Victoria, only some "booze buses" are equipped to test motorists for drugs.

Acting Victorian Roads Minister Jacinta Allan said the rise in the number of drivers on drugs was a great cause for concern for other, law abiding motorists.

"The message has been getting through to the Victorian community for some time now about drinking and driving, that it's just not on," Allan said on Thursday.

Taking drugs and getting behind the wheel of a car is "an incredibly dangerous practice," he said, adding, "That's why the Andrews Labor government is stepping up its fight to get more drugs tests done to nab more drugged drivers."

Allan said in a statement that the government was coming up with a "comprehensive" strategy to lower the road toll.

"Clearly drug drivers are dangerous, they can cause significant dangers on our roads and that's why we're stepping up our efforts," she said.

Source: XINHUA