Driving safety with drug-free driving

While safety on our roads is everyone’s desire – and responsibility – there’s a group of people for whom the roads are more than a way to get to work, go on holidays or take kids to sport. For them, the roads are their workplace and drug drivers are making their workplaces less safe than they should be.

Yes, we’re talking about the drivers of Taxis, Ubers, buses and other vehicles used to ply trade. Plus, of course, truck drivers.

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark recently wrote an informative article on the role of the road as a workplace for truck operators. A workplace where he says unnecessary risks are being created by poorly behaving road users.

Roadside drug testing results a big problem

In the article, Mr Clark points out that while driving can have inherit risks, the risks are being increased by people who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He adds that while there are positive signs when it comes to alcohol, that’s not the case for drugs.

“Social standards regarding the acceptability of driving under the influence of alcohol have changed significantly over the past decades, and yet, when it comes to drug driving, we are still catching up,” Mr Clark said.

He points to figures from New South Wales over the 2024 Easter Holiday Period. During that time, NSW conducted 232,092 random breath tests with 295 positive results. That’s a rate of one-in-850. Contrast this with the roadside drug testing results and you can see why he says drug driving is a bigger problem. Over the same period, 17,256 drug tests were conducted with 863 positive tests. That’s a rate of one-in-20.

“That’s a ratio of one-in-20 road-users being on drugs. These figures should concern anybody who operates a trucking business or makes a living behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle.

We seem to have a bigger problem with drug use by all road-users than we may have previously thought. The impact on our sector is obvious and can be tragic,” Mr Clark added.

We should add that while the one-in-20 rate may seem high, higher rates have been recorded for roadside drug testing positives. Not just in NSW, but in all parts of the country.

Mr Clark does admit in the article that the trucking industry does have its own issues with truck drivers who take drugs and drive. However, “… the vast majority of our sector are doing the right thing on our roads and deserve to feel safe behind the wheel.”

NatRoad would like to see greater public awareness to help change attitudes towards drug driving. This includes driving while under the influence of illicit substances or everyday prescription medicine.

“We hope, through these measures, alongside increased drug testing and sensible policy development, we can work towards bringing drug driving under control and make our roads safe for all.”

What can the industry do to reduce the risk of drugs on the roads?

If you’re involved in the transportation industry, what can you do to reduce the risks of drugs on our roads. While you can’t do a lot about society as a whole, you can help protect your own business:

• Begin by creating or updating your company’s drug and alcohol management policy.
• Educate your workforce about the policy details and the risks associated with drugs and alcohol.
• Offer support to truck drivers and other employees struggling with drug and alcohol issues.
• Implement drug and alcohol testing.

Integrity Sampling is here to assist. We can help you in developing a comprehensive workplace drug and alcohol policy. In addition, can assist with employee education and, of course, conduct drug and alcohol testing services for you.

Contact Integrity Sampling today at 1300 725 482 to discuss your specific needs.

FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:

While drug-free roads are an important aim, for those who use the road as their workplace, it’s especially vital. Credit Diego Alves (image modified) https://unsplash.com/photos/a-view-of-a-highway-going-over-the-ocean-A-tDEFpT0Nk