DRIVER DRUG TESTING – A SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE

Research shows that consumption of certain illegal drugs can negatively impact upon the driving task in a similar manner to alcohol impairment. There is significant evidence that many drivers killed or injured on our roads have drugs other than alcohol in their bodies at the time of the crash. South Australian statistics show that in 2005, 23% of driver and rider fatalities tested positive for Cannabis, methylamphetamine or a combination of these drugs. In July 2006 South Australia proclaimed legislation which introduced a driver drug testing regime using oral fluid and blood to test for 3 ‘proscribed’ drugs.