New driver drug-testing regime to keep police patrolling our roads

Police are adopting a new, more efficient drug-testing ­regime for drivers, as figures show drugged drivers now account for more deaths on NSW roads than those affected by alcohol.

The chance of getting away with driving with drugs in your system just got slimmer, with NSW Police adopting a new, more efficient drug-testing ­regime.

From Sunday, anyone pulled over by police who tests positive will then be subjected to a roadside oral fluid test, rather than being taken back to the nearest police station.

Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver said the new, improved process meant police officers could spend more time on the road and less in the station processing.

In the past financial year, NSW Police conducted 217,000 oral tests across the state.

“The time saving that this new process will offer means police will have more time out on the road and someone testing positive won’t take them away from their duties on the road,” Mr Driver said.

“We know that, while the principal cause of fatalities on our road network is speed, ­fatigue, drugs and alcohol, this is an enhancement of one of the tools we have to reduce road trauma and save more lives,” he said.

“Anyone who thinks they can get away with using drugs, should be warned their chance of getting caught just got higher.”

A new, more efficient way to test drivers for drugs will free up police time.

A driver who returns a positive test on a drug wipe test will be placed under arrest for the purposes of obtaining an oral fluid sample for analysis.

The oral fluid swab is taken at the scene, and the sample is extracted into a vial, sealed and sent for analysis.

The driver will then be subjected to a second drug wipe test and, if positive, will receive an on-the-spot notice prohibiting them from driving for 24 hours.

Prosecution of drivers who have drugs present in their system will be dependent upon the analysis of the sample taken.

The NSW Police Force collaborated with Transport for NSW – Centre for Road Safety and NSW Health to streamline the process so no further handling is needed.

The kits are being supplied to all highway patrol vehicles and to police area commands and districts across the state.

Drugged drivers now account for more deaths on NSW roads than drunk drivers.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said police were not “taking their eyes off the ball” when it came to drug-driving.

“Anyone who takes illicit drugs and drives under the influence will now be detected faster and more easily than ever before,” she said.

“The roadside test is a huge win for our cops, with tests and results available on the spot. This will save masses of police time.

“We’re providing our officers with the best cutting-edge technology to do their job and keep the community safe.

“Driving under the influence of illicit drugs costs lives. Police are enforcing the law ­because we want everyone to arrive home safely.”

In 2019, drivers recorded 9562 positive drug tests compared to 17,507 positive tests recorded in 2023.

Drugged drivers now account for more deaths on NSW roads than drunk drivers.

The latest statistics from Transport for NSW reveal that around 24 per cent of the state’s road fatalities each year, equating to around 79 lives lost, involve a driver with the presence of illegal drugs in their system. Drunk drivers contribute to 17 per cent of the state’s road fatalities.

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