New South Wales strengthens drug-driving laws

This week, the government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia announced a strengthening of its drug-driving laws and an increase in roadside drug testing.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, said that in 2017, 392 people died in accidents on the region’s roads. According to a preliminary analysis of the data, drug-impaired drivers were the major factor in 36 deadly accidents, resulting in 42 deaths.

Melinda Pavey, the NSW minister for roads, added that drug-driving was a major factor in 231 deadly vehicle accidents between 2012 and 2016, resulting in 250 fatalities.

To combat drug-driving, the NSW government is implementing the following measures:

• Increasing the number of annual roadside drug tests of drivers from 100,000 to 200,000 a year by 2020.
• Amending the list of drugs tested for during roadside screening to include cocaine.
• Raising the maximum penalties for conviction of drug-driving to two years in prison, a fine of AUS $5,500 (£3,168), and/or the loss of a driving license for five years.
• Instituting appropriate limits for drivers using legally-prescribed medications.

Berejiklian said that many prescription medications can significantly diminish a person’s ability to drive a vehicle and that the government would consult with medical professionals, road safety experts, and police officials to determine the appropriate balance between people’s need to take medications with the safety of members of the community travelling on the roads.

Under current legislation, the maximum penalties for individuals convicted of drug-driving were lower than those imposed on people convicted of drink-driving, but the new laws announced this week eliminates the disparity.