We often advise in our blogs that if you’re asked to undertake drug testing – whether it’s on the roads or in the workplace – you’re better taking the test and failing than refusing to be tested. In a recent case in NSW, a driver took extreme measures to go against this advice. He not only refused drug testing he drove off!
The incident occurred after NSW Police were called to a report of a person unconscious in a car. According to an article in the Northern Beaches Advocate, when police attended they found that the man was apparently sleeping in the car, with the engine running. When they woke the man up, he then allegedly drove off at a fast rate of knots.
Not to be deterred, the NSW Police officers soon caught up with the driver, who had driven to a nearby aged care facility car park. He appeared to be under the influence or drunk, although a roadside alcohol test proved negative. The man was then arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. It’s alleged the drug testing result was positive.
The 37-year-old driver faces an array of offences, including driving while under the influence of drugs.
NSW changes roadside drug testing procedures
In what’s being labelled as a crackdown on drug drivers in NSW, police have changed their roadside drug testing procedures. While the change is unlikely to make a significant difference to the number of drug drivers being caught, it will free up more police resources.
From now, any driver pulled over and testing positive for drugs will immediately be subject to a roadside oral fluid test at the roadside. Previously, drivers were taken to a nearby police station for a second test.
Acting Assistant Commissioner David Driver highlighted that this new approach will enable officers to spend more time patrolling roads rather than handling cases at the station.
“The time saving that this new process will offer means police will have more time out on the road and someone testing positive won’t take them away from their duties on the road,” Mr. Driver explained to The Daily Telegraph.
Mr Driver emphasised the importance of this change in reducing road accidents, noting that while speed, fatigue, drugs and alcohol are the main causes of fatalities, enhanced drug testing is crucial in preventing road trauma.
“Anyone who thinks they can get away with using drugs, should be warned their chance of getting caught just got higher,” he added.
The NSW procedure for roadside drug testing is now:
- A drug wipe is used for the initial test.
- If a driver tests positive, NSW Police officers will obtain a saliva sample from the driver.
- This sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- If this analysis is positive, the driver will face consequences, including a fine and license suspension.
Roadside drug testing can catch anyone, at any time
There was further proof recently that it doesn’t matter who you are, NSW roadside drug testing can catch you anytime, anywhere.
The incident, involving a high profile NRL star, saw the player allegedly failing preliminary roadside drug testing for cocaine. The player’s sample has been sent to the laboratory for analysis and, as with anyone, no action will be taken by police until that result is known.
He’s certainly not the only one to fall foul of NSW drug testing in the last several days. Around 470 drivers were allegedly caught driving with drugs in a major operation lasting for four days.
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It’s good advice not to refuse roadside drug testing in NSW. It’s also good advice not to speed away from police!
