Spotlight on drug-driving boosts community safety

The rules around driving while taking medicinal cannabis, the potential dangers of driving while using certain types of prescription medication, and the penalties for driving under the influence of illicit drugs are the focus of a new campaign.

Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Unit expanded Police Drug Diversion Program senior project officer Acting Senior-Sergeant Sarah Grayson says there is a need for education around drug-diving legislation.

As part of the campaign, Sen-Sgt Grayson is preparing a series of five videos about drug-driving, which address various offences and different types of drug driving.

The first, which launched late last month, reinforces the message: “Drug-driving is an offence and police will take a zero tolerance approach”.

Essential education

“We’ve worked with Queensland Health and State Road Policing to develop a number of strategies for this project, which will link in with different units and community groups,” Sen-Sgt Grayson says.

“Transport and Main Roads completed a community survey which showed a need for education around medicinal cannabis and not being able to drive,” Sen-Sgt Grayson says.

“Even if you have a prescription for medicinal cannabis, you still can’t drive.

“In Queensland, it’s illegal to drive with THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in your system - even if it’s prescribed.

“THC affects your reaction time, concentration, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.”

Keeping people safe

Sen-Sgt Grayson says the campaign is aimed at all age groups who drive and aims to connect with a variety of audiences, ranging from young people about to get their driver’s licence, to illicit drug users and elderly drivers.

“The campaign is about keeping the community safer and it’s designed to educate all sectors of the community,” she says.

“There’s P-plate relevant information, as well as information for older drivers and people who are taking prescription medication that can affect their driving.

“Different types of drugs can affect your driving ability – they can reduce your ability to judge distance and speed and reduce your co-ordination.”

See the video

Sen-Sgt Grayson says even common medications can have side effects that make driving risky.

“Other drugs, illicit or prescription, can affect driving ability where the person is ‘impaired’ to drive and commits an offence.

“Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if your medication affects your driving, especially when combining with alcohol or other substances.

“They can cause hyperactivity, aggression, paranoia, fatigue, dizziness and fainting, as well as tremors and muscle weakness.”

Sen-Sgt Grayson says the process for roadside drug testing is a ‘lick test’ which detects relevant substances in your system and can identify cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamines and MDMA.

Similar to roadside alcohol testing, drug tests are random and conducted any time, anywhere.

“It’s done on the side of the road and the results come back within a few minutes,” she says.

“If you do test positive, your licence will automatically be suspended for 24 hours.

“Then, if you’re charged you’ll be dealt with by the courts.

“If you’re losing your licence, you’re potentially losing your job.”

Learn more here.