Report by NRMA Shows 10% of NSW Drivers Tested Positive for Illicit Drug Use
Drug driving has increased by 800 percent over the past decade.
According to insurance and roadside assistance provider NRMA, one in 10 drivers in New South Wales (NSW) tested positive for illicit drugs last year.
The NRMA’s Driving High report, released on Nov. 25, revealed a rise in drug-related crashes, with 79 lives lost in 2023, up by 24 from the previous year.
NRMA is urging the NSW state Labor government to increase testing to reach the goal of 200,000 tests per year set in 2018, as the state fell short by 40,000 tests last year.
The report also suggests enhancing resources for policing and increasing public education.
Second Leading Cause of Road Deaths
The NRMA report states that drug driving is now the second leading cause of death on NSW roads, surpassing fatigue, drunk driving, and non-seatbelt use.
In nearly 70 percent of drug driving-related crashes, drivers tested positive for cannabis, followed by methylamphetamine (43 percent), and cocaine (7 percent).
Most drivers involved in fatal crashes were males (85 percent) aged 20-29 (31 percent), with nearly half of those who tested positive falling within the 30-49 age group.
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NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury stated that drivers who combine illicit drugs and alcohol are 23 times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.
He added, “Random drug testing sends the message that if you take the risk, you will get caught, and as we head into the Christmas party season, this serves as an important reminder.”
Drug Driving Increase of 800 Percent
According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) report released last month, the number of people prosecuted for drug driving offenses has surged from 1,409 cases in 2014 to 13,815 in 2023—an 836 percent increase.
This rise is attributed to the expansion of the Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) program and an increase in the detection rate.
However, the number of roadside drug tests remains small in comparison to the number of registered drivers.
Jackie Fitzgerald, executive director of BOCSAR, mentioned, “This may limit the general deterrent effect of the program.”
Government Investment in Road Safety Measures
In response to growing concerns, the NSW government announced additional funding to support 230 new projects across urban and regional roads.
This funding is part of the Australian federal government’s Road Safety Program, which has received $437.3 million from both state and federal governments.
This funding boost, totaling $518.3 million for 2023-2026, aims to enhance safety across the NSW road network and reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries.
