The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) has developed a report focused on identifying key factors contributing to road accidents and proposing potential measures to minimise fatalities and injuries. Ongoing support for law enforcement, infrastructure development and community awareness programs remains essential for enhancing road safety for all users. The complete NRMA analysis can be accessed here.
Statistical evidence plays a crucial role in comprehending, tackling, and evaluating how drugs influence road accidents. While historical attention has centered on illegal substances, there’s a growing need to raise awareness about how medications can affect driving capabilities.
Medications
Beyond illicit substances, both prescription medications and over-the-counter, can significantly impact driving performance. This encompasses medications prescribed for various conditions including depression, anxiety, cold and flu symptoms, and sleep-related disorders. These substances may affect various aspects of driving ability, including visual perception, response times, emotional state, judgment capabilities, and physical coordination. The effects can become more pronounced when medications are combined with alcohol or illegal drugs, when recommended dosages are not followed, or when multiple substances are used simultaneously.
Medicinal Cannabis
According to the data presented in the above table, the number of approvals for medicinal cannabis products to patients has experienced significant growth (source: Penington Institute). This growth persists despite restrictions on driving for medicinal cannabis patients and increasing concerns regarding workplace drug testing.
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) indicates that cannabis use remains widespread among Australians, with 42 percent of adults reporting lifetime usage. Recent statistics from February 2024 indicate that roughly 700,000 Australians utilised cannabis for medical purposes during the previous year, with more than 200,000 individuals (29.9 percent) regularly or occasionally obtaining medicinal cannabis through prescriptions. This marks a substantial increase from the 2019 survey, where only 3.9 percent of medical cannabis users reported obtaining their supply through prescription channels.
Drug Trends
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales presents insights from their National Ecstasy and Related Drugs Reporting System (EDRS) 2024. The research involved a sentinel sample of regular ecstasy and/or illicit stimulant users, recruited through social media platforms and personal referrals across Australian capital cities. It’s important to note that these findings aren’t representative of all illicit drug users or the general population’s drug use patterns. The data collection period spanned from April to July 2024.
The study revealed concerning statistics about driving behavior: 29% of recent drivers admitted to operating vehicles while exceeding the perceived legal alcohol limit. Additionally, 50% reported driving within three hours of using illicit or non-prescribed drugs in the previous six months, showing a significant increase from 2023’s figure of 44%. This research was made possible through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s Drug and Alcohol Program.
The consequences of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace are significant. It not only endangers employee safety but also exposes businesses to risks of accidents, decreased productivity, and legal liabilities. By implementing robust testing solutions you safeguard workplace safety, boost productivity & mitigate legal risks.
With a robust understanding of Australian regulations and standards, we are well-equipped to help navigate the complexities of workplace testing. Your commitment to a drug-free workplace safeguards your people and contributes to a culture of responsibility and accountability, fostering success and well-being for everyone at your workplace. If you’d like assistance in implementing drug and alcohol testing into your workplace click here to get in touch.