Buckley Speedwatch leader's plea to drivers over substances

The Leader covers drink and drug-drive cases in our area's courts on a very regular basis.

Often, we have heard from defending solicitors and barristers that their clients used substances as a means of 'self-medicating' for a variety of reasons.

And also very frequently, the drink and drug-drivers are said not to have understood just how long those substances remain in their system; leading to them being apprehended, charged and brought before the courts.

Cllr Arnold Woolley, coordinator for the Buckley Community Speedwatch Team, is a former Police Senior Superintendent, Force Training Commander and traffic specialist.

He has seen and dealt with more than his share of tragedies borne out of drink and drug-driving throughout his police career.

Cllr Woolley told the Leader he is concerned about the wider range of substances being detected in drivers' systems in recent years.

"It's not just cannabis," he said.

"Now it's collections of drugs - cannabis, cocaine, heroin, artificial drugs.

"You have to ask; what is the matter with this feeble-minded generation?

"Us oldies came through a very rough time after the Second World War and we didn't need drugs to get life done.

"What's changed that people are now turning to these things?"

Cllr Woolley urged people not to turn to drugs and drink to deal with their problems.

He said: "If it's medical worries, there are doctors there to help - get things checked out and deal with them. Face up to them.

"If there are financial and other worries, there's a grand organisation called the Citizens Advice Bureau.

"The problem is that people aren't communicating outside of electronic gadgets.

"A wise old doctor said to me many years ago that the best medicine is a good neighbour.

"I'd add to that the old truism that it's good to talk.

"Speak to people and ask for legitimate help instead of using drink and drugs.

"Reaching out for help won't wreck your health, but drugs will."