Birkdale man Cooper James Petesic, 19, crashes into vehicle while affected by drugs

Amid the “worst road toll in 30 years” a teen who crashed into another vehicle while high on drugs was lucky to avoid jail according to a court.

A court has warned a teen that he could have faced years in jail for killing someone after he crashed his vehicle into another while high on methamphetamine and prescription drugs.

Supported by his mother at Cleveland Magistrates Court today Cooper James Petesic, 19, pleaded guilty to driving while relevant drug is present; two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and possessing utensils or pipes that had been used.

The court heard residents came to the assistance of the Birkdale man after he crashed his vehicle into another stationary vehicle on Randall Rd in Birkdale at around 12.30am on March 23.

Petesic, who had no previous likewise history, was sentenced to 12 months' probation and disqualified from driving for three months.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Duncan Blackburn said Petesic was so drug-affected he nearly fell asleep during a police interview while standing.

A search of his vehicle and person revealed a clipseal bag containing cannabis hidden in the band of his pants, 16 “white tablets” and a pipe for smoking drugs.

A test would reveal he was affected by methamphetamine and benzodiazepine (Xanax) at the time.

The court heard the defendant admitted to police he had consumed drugs before driving.

Described as a “serious matter” the crash resulted in significant damage to Petesic’s Hyundai and the vehicle struck but could have proved deadly, according to the court.

“It could have been much, much worse,” Sen Constable Blackburn said.

“Far too many people are dying on our roads. It has a far-reaching effect.”

The warning was echoed by Magistrate Deborah Vasta who told the court 93 people had been killed on Queensland roads since the start of the year - some 20 more than at the same time last year, making for the “worst road toll in 30 years”.

“You could have been a statistic,” Magistrate Vasta said.

The defendant was further warned had he killed someone he could easily have found himself in the dock facing years in prison.

Defence solicitor Mark Donnelly of Donnelly Law said it had been a horror year for his client who had a vehicle stolen and lost his job.

Mr Donnelly tendered character references on behalf of Petesic and informed that the man had completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program; had sought psychological counselling and had since gained casual work as a roof repairer.

Petesic, who had no previous likewise history, was sentenced to 12 months’ probation and disqualified from driving for three months.

No conviction was recorded.