the driver's handbook

20
R O A d S A f E t y
It is an offence to refuse, or fail to
comply with, a direction of a police
officer in relation to an alcotest or
breath analysis or a request for a
drug screening test, oral fluid
analysis or blood test.
Drugs and Driving
Drug driving is one of a number of contributors to road deaths
in South Australia. On average 24% of drivers or riders killed
on South Australian roads test positive to THC (the active
component in cannabis – also known as marijuana, dope, hash),
Methylamphetamine (also known as speed, ice or crystal meth),
MDMA (also known as ecstasy), or a combination of these.
Many drivers remain unaware of the effects that these types
of drugs can have on their driving ability – including impaired
coordination, muscle weakness, impaired reaction time, poor
vision, an inability to judge distance and speed and distortions
of time, place and space. They can also increase a person’s
confidence so they are more likely to take dangerous risks while
driving, placing themselves, the safety of their passengers and
other road users at even greater risk.
The Driver’s Handbook
Laboratory testing, driving simulators and on-road testing have
shown that these drugs can impair performance on
driving-related tasks and have the potential to increase
the risk of road crashes.
South Australia Police conduct random roadside saliva tests
to detect the presence of THC, Methylamphetamine or MDMA.
Unlike drink driving, where a prescribed concentration of alcohol
must be present for an offence to have been committed, the
presence of any amount of the drugs tested is an offence.
Don’t mix driving with alcohol or drugs (including
medicines). To avoid the risks, plan ahead:
• designate a non-drinking driver, if you are with others
• catch a taxi home
• use public transport
• stay the night
• arrange for someone to pick you up – only accept a lift
if you are certain the driver has not been drinking or
using other drugs.