There is a risk that roadside drug testing could make roads less safe

The government says we will be doing roadside drug testing by the end of the year. It’s been a long time coming, but some say it could make the roads even riskier.

That of the government Roadside drug testing program is a step closer to rollout, but drug experts warn that people who use prescription drugs could be penalized and forced to use other, undetectable and potentially more dangerous substances.

Under the plan, police will be able to randomly test drivers for drug use – with around 25 drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis, in the mix.

Drivers who test positive in two tests will immediately receive a twelve-hour driving ban.

Positive tests will be sent to a laboratory, and if drugs are found at levels indicative of recent use, drivers will be fined and awarded demerit points.

“Ultimately the message is very clear: we don’t want people taking drugs and driving on our roads and killing people,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

“Our approach takes a much tougher line…ensuring that motorists are safer, and that drug-impaired people think twice before getting behind the wheel.”

In 2022, alcohol and drugs contributed to 200 fatalities on New Zealand roads.

But Amie Hayley, a senior research fellow at Swinburne University in Melbourne – where police have tested drivers for THC, MDMA and methamphetamine – told The detail it affected motorists using prescription drugs, including medical cannabis.

“Drivers who use medical cannabis for cancer, mental health or pain relief are unwilling to put themselves in a position where they may be prosecuted for driving while taking a prescription drug,” she said.

“These people are often very aware that they will not drive if they feel impaired by their substance, but under current legislation it does not matter whether you have an impairment or not, it only matters whether the substance is in your system is present.

“People will exclude themselves from driving or in other cases – and more dangerous due to medical conditions – people will choose not to take their medical cannabis product and potentially use other substances that could be considered more harmful or harsh, so things like opiate-based pain relief, but who can otherwise safely pass a saliva test.

“So people choose substances that may not be detected, but could be more harmful. So you get a catch-22 where people may do more harm to themselves by excluding themselves from taking their medication as prescribed.”

It is expected that New Zealand Police will carry out 50,000 oral fluid tests each year once the drink driving regime is introduced. They will be able to randomly screen drivers for drugs, similar to the way drunk driving is enforced.

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