With Western Australian road fatalities rising in 2019, one thing is for sure, you can expect to see more drug and alcohol testing on Western Australian roads in 2020.
While Western Australia, like much of the rest of the nation, experienced a rise in the road toll in 2019, in WA the rise was only minor, up by 6 compared with 2018 figures to reach 165. Compared to the average of the previous 5 years, the road toll is actually down by around 6.
However, it’s perhaps not fair to describe drops or rises in the road toll as minor. Behind each statistic is a story of tragedy, with not just the victims impacted but also the victim’s families and friends, as well as emergency response personnel and the community in general. Add to this the tragedy of road accidents that may not have resulted in a fatality, but have left people seriously hurt and in many cases unable to resume their normal lives.
Drug and alcohol testing in Western Australia one of the answers
Drug and alcohol testing on Western Australian roads is certainly not the sole answer to reducing the road toll, however, it is one of the solutions.
We know for example, from the Road Safety Commission Western Australia, that:
- Alcohol was a factor in 19 percent of fatalities in 2018 in WA.
- Sixty three percent of alcohol related fatalities in 2018 occurred in regional areas of the state.
- Twenty two percent of fatalities in 2018 involved vehicle drivers and motorcycle riders who tested positive to one or more illicit drugs.
Tough penalties for those that fail drug and alcohol testing
Another thing that is certain, is that if you fail drug and alcohol testing on Western Australia’s roads you’re looking at a hefty penalty.
The penalties include new reforms that were introduced in the second half of last year to close loopholes and increase consequences for drivers doing the wrong thing. These reforms include:
- Anyone who fails roadside drug testing in WA will be hit with an instant 24-hour roadside ban from driving or riding a motorcycle.
- New offences for driving while affected by a combination of alcohol and drugs, to recognise the increased level of driver impairment for those that mix alcohol and drugs. This means, for example, that a person who is caught in drug testing for methamphetamines and alcohol testing for being over the limit could face a fine of up to $5600 and have their licence disqualified for 15 months.
Integrity Sampling conducts drug and alcohol testing in WA’s workplaces
Of course, it’s not just on WA’s roads where drugs and alcohol can cause safety issues.
Integrity Sampling conducts workplace drug and alcohol testing in Western Australia and we are experts in the field. We have seven branches in Western Australia, with geographical coverage across most of the main work areas of the state.
Give us a call on 1300 SALIVA to discuss your drug and alcohol testing needs.
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Expect more drug and alcohol testing on Western Australia’s roads to curb the rising road toll. Credit sidkid https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidkid/455449021/
