Motorists in Queensland, Australia will now undergo testing to detect the presence of cocaine in their system. Cocaine has been added to the list of illicit substances that can be detected by roadside police drug vans. The decision to include cocaine in these tests comes as the state experienced the highest road toll in the country last year, with 299 lives lost. Out of these fatalities, 61 were caused by crashes involving drug-impaired drivers or riders.
Government data reveals an increase in the number of people found with cocaine in their system after serious crashes. The percentage rose from 3.6% between 2018 and 2019 to 7.1% between 2020 and 2021. This data is derived from hospital records. Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream stated that there has been a 30% increase in drug-impaired driver detections compared to the previous five-year average, prompting authorities to take action.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment, memory, coordination, and reaction time, according to Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream. Making the choice to drive while affected by drugs has direct consequences on one’s own life and those around them. The decision to include cocaine in the list of testable substances follows the introduction of this measure in New South Wales five years ago.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream emphasized the need for individuals to take responsibility for their choices when deciding to drive. He warned that police would be targeting drivers making poor choices and that they could be encountered anywhere and at any time. Queensland’s Roads Minister Mark Baily expressed concern over the high number of drivers testing positive for drugs, with one in four drivers currently returning a positive result. He deemed this unacceptable and emphasized the danger posed not only to oneself but to all Queenslanders while driving with drugs in one’s system.
Those caught driving with drugs in their system face penalties, including license disqualification, fines of up to $2,167 (US$1,447), and imprisonment for repeat offenders.