Random roadside drug testing

Victoria Police conduct random roadside saliva testing to detect drivers travelling while affected by illicit drugs.

Drug driving is a major contributor to road fatalities in Victoria . In 2003, a total of 31 per cent of drivers killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs other than alcohol.

Many drivers appear unaware of the effects that drugs can have on their alertness, vigilance and ability to react rapidly to unexpected events. Some drugs can also increase the impairing effects of alcohol and fatigue.

The random roadside saliva testing is aimed at making Victoria ’s roads safer for everyone by reducing the incidence of drug driving.

For further information about random roadside saliva testing for illicit drugs call 1300 369 819.

The Myths about Drugs and Driving

Myth 1 – Drugs don’t affect my ability to drive

• Illicit drugs can affect your driving ability by causing impaired coordination, muscle weakness, impaired reaction time, poor vision, an inability to judge distance and speed, and distortions of time, place and space.

• The active component of cannabis called THC impairs mental function and reduces attention and concentration on the driving task. THC significantly increases crash risk even when there are no extreme outward signs of impairment.
• Speed, ice or crystal meth (methamphetamines) and ecstasy (MDMA) increase risk taking and aggression. Speed is often used by drivers to temporarily allow them to continue to drive even though they are too tired to do so safely.

Myth 2 - I’m safe when I drive while affected by drugs

• Increasingly drug use is associated with road crashes and driving fatalities. You might think you’re safe, but the statistics tell the real story.
• Drug driving is a major cause of road deaths in Victoria . In 2003, a total of 31 per cent of drivers killed in Victoria tested positive to drugs other than alcohol.
• Research shows that a driver who has recently consumed cannabis or an amphetamine based substance is at the same risk as having a crash as a driver with an alcohol concentration above 0.05.

Myth 3 – Drink driving is a much bigger problem

• Drink driving is a major community issue, but so is drug driving.
• In 2003, 28 per cent of drivers killed had a blood alcohol content of 0.05 or more. In the same year, 31 per cent of drivers killed tested positive to drugs other than alcohol.

Myth 4 - It’s not illegal to drive while affected by drugs

• Yes it is. Victoria Police is now conducting random roadside saliva testing for illicit drugs. This will detect the recent consumption of methamphetamines (speed or ice), MDMA (ecstasy) and THC (the active component of cannabis).
• There are drug impaired driving laws which have been in place since 2000 which can be used by Victoria Police to detect drivers impaired by other drugs, such as heroin.

Myth 5 - Drugs can’t be detected and I won’t get caught

• Wrong again. Victoria Police is now conducting random roadside saliva testing for illicit drugs. Anyone can be tested at any time. And the testing may target high risk areas, like trucking routes and entertainment precincts.
• Saliva screening is an accurate and reliable method for detecting recent consumptions of THC (the active component of cannabis), MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamines (speed or ice).

Testing Procedures

Random drug driving tests will be conducted in a similar way to current random breath tests. A drug bus similar to a booze bus will be used.

Step 1:
Drivers will be required to provide a saliva sample by placing an absorbent collector in their mouth or touching it on their tongue until a sample is collected. The sample will be screened at the roadside, with the result determined within approximately five minutes. Drug tests will be conducted by specially trained and authorised police officers.

Step 2:
Drivers who return a negative drug test will not be detained further. Drivers who return positive test results will be required to accompany police to a drug bus and provide a second saliva sample.

Step 3:
Drivers who produce a positive result to the second sample will be interviewed according to normal police procedure, and the sample sent to a laboratory for analysis. The driver will be provided with a portion of the second sample, which they may choose to have independently analysed.

Step 4:
Once the process is complete, the driver will be allowed to leave, although they will not be permitted to drive their vehicle. No infringement will be issued or charge laid until the results of the laboratory analysis are known. Drivers will be informed within a few weeks if the laboratory analysis confirms an illicit drug was present and they are to be fined or prosecuted for an offence.

Penalties*

The drug driving campaign is about improving road safety. Legislation prevents the evidence of saliva testing being used in court proceedings for non road safety offences.

* In 2007-08, a penalty unit is $110.12
** People who lose their licence as a result of drug driving offence must undertake a drug education and assessment course before being eligible to get their licence back.