Download That`s the reality.

The facts about drugs and driving
• Illicit drugs can affect your driving ability by causing impaired
coordination, muscle weakness, impaired reaction time, poor vision,
an inability to judge distance and speed and distortions of time,
place and space.
• R
andom roadside saliva tests are conducted to improve road safety.
The legislation does not allow police to use the test results or
admissions or evidence relating to the tests for anything other than
driving-related offences.
What effects do THC, Methylamphetamine and MDMA
have on driving ability?
• THC (the active component in cannabis) impairs mental functioning
and reduces attention and concentration on the driving task.
THC significantly increases crash risk and affects driving even when
there are no outward signs of impairment. The use of cannabis and
alcohol together severely impairs driving ability and the effects are
considerably greater than the effects of either substance taken alone.
If you do
drugs and drive
you’ll get caught.
That’s the reality.
• M
ethylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) reduce coordination
and affect a person’s ability to adjust speed and distance. It can also
increase a person’s confidence so they are more likely to take
dangerous risks while driving.
Drivers and riders can be stopped at random by any police
officer at any time, anywhere in South Australia, and tested
for these three illegal drugs as well as alcohol.
Alcohol and Drug Information Service
Are you:
• Worried about your own alcohol or other drug use?
• Concerned about a friends or relatives alcohol or other
drug use?
• Worried that your teenager may be using drugs?
• Uncertain about services in your area?
• Wanting more information?
• Needing to talk to someone?
If so, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on
1300 13 1340 or visit www.dassa.sa.gov.au for more information.
This confidential and anonymous telephone service operates
24 hours a day, and is staffed by specialist drug and alcohol
counsellors who can provide:
• Information on alcohol, illegal drugs and some
prescription drugs;
• Counselling and professional assistance in helping you
deal with and understand your own or another’s alcohol
or other drug problem;
• Referral options if you require further ongoing assistance;
and
• Publications on alcohol and other drug related information
and services.
These types of drugs have been shown to have the potential
to increase the risk of road crashes. Laboratory testing, driving
simulators and ‘on road’ testing has shown that these drugs
can impair performance on driving-related tasks. On average,
between 2003 and 2007, 24% of drivers or riders killed in SA
tested positive to THC, Methylamphetamine or MDMA or a
combination of these.
Random roadside saliva testing for THC, Methylamphetamine
and MDMA is part of the State Government’s commitment to
improving road safety and reducing the loss of lives and
incidence of serious injuries on South Australian roads.
More information
For more information about random
roadside saliva testing visit:
www.mac.sa.gov.au
The lowdown
on driving high
In South Australia, Police are able to
conduct random roadside saliva tests to
detect the presence of three illegal drugs.
You can be tested for:
• THC – the active component in cannabis;
• Methylamphetamine – also known as speed, ice
or crystal meth; and
• 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
– also known as ecstasy.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, it is an offence to
drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with THC,
Methylamphetamine or MDMA present in your
oral fluid or blood.
The saliva test does not detect prescription or common
over the counter medications such as cold and flu tablets.
Who can be tested?
Anyone who is operating or attempting to put a motor vehicle in motion
can be tested. In the same way that tests for drink driving are random,
drug driving tests are also conducted randomly. Random roadside saliva
testing of drivers may be conducted anywhere in South Australia, including
“high risk” areas such as truck routes and entertainment precincts.
What is saliva testing?
This is a non invasive method for detecting the presence of THC (the active
component in cannabis), methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy).
Drivers are required to provide a saliva sample by placing a saliva test
strip on their tongue. Drivers who test positive are required to provide an
oral fluid sample for analysis in the drug bus or at a police station.
A positive result to the second saliva sample will lead to further analysis
in a laboratory.
How long does saliva testing take?
An initial saliva test takes around five minutes. The entire process could
take around 30 minutes for drivers who are required to provide an oral
fluid sample in the drug bus or at a police station.
How reliable is saliva testing for illegal drugs?
Saliva testing is an accurate and reliable method for detecting the recent
consumption of cannabis, speed and ecstasy. All saliva drug screening
devices are required to meet standards of accuracy. A positive oral fluid
sample result will be confirmed by laboratory testing.
Can police request a blood test for drugs?
Yes. In certain circumstances the police may direct a driver to undergo a
blood test. This includes situations where a driver cannot produce enough
saliva for an oral fluid test, or they have a medical or physical reason
which does not allow them to provide a saliva sample, or show obvious
signs of being impaired. A blood test is conducted at no expense to the driver.
How long after consuming these three illegal drugs
can they be detected?
• The devices used are able to detect THC (the active component in
cannabis) for several hours after use. The exact time will vary depending
on the amount and potency of the cannabis used and the individual
metabolism. Inactive THC residue in the body of a driver from use in
previous days or weeks will not be detected.
• Methylamphetamine (speed) and MDMA (ecstasy) may be detected for
approximately 24 hours after use. Again, the exact time will vary
depending on the size of the dose, other drugs taken at the same time,
as well as differences in individual metabolism.
How is random roadside saliva testing conducted?
Random drug driving tests are conducted in a similar way to current
random breath tests for alcohol.
Step 1
Drivers are required to undergo a drug screening test, while they remain
in their vehicle, by placing a saliva test strip on their tongue. The sample is
screened at the roadside and the result determined within approximately
5 minutes.
Step 2
Drivers who return a negative drug test are not detained any further.
Drivers who return a positive test result are required to accompany police
to a drug bus or police station to provide an oral fluid sample for analysis.
Step 3
Drivers who produce a positive result to the second sample will be
interviewed according to standard police procedure and the sample
sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Step 4
Once the process is complete the driver is allowed to leave, although
they will not be permitted to drive their vehicle. No further action is
taken by the police until the results of the laboratory analysis are known.
Drivers will be informed within a few weeks if the laboratory analysis
confirms the presence of THC, Methylamphetamine or MDMA and
accordingly, they will be fined or prosecuted for an offence.
From 1 July 2008, the penalties for drug driving are:
First offence
$420 expiation fee and 4 demerit points
OR
Court penalty – not less than $500 and not
more than $900 fine and 4 demerit points
Second offence
(Court penalty)
Not less than $700 and not more than
$1,200 fine and 4 demerit points and
Licence disqualification – not less than
six months
Third offence
(Court penalty)
Not less than $1,100 and not more than
$1,800 fine and 4 demerit points and
Licence disqualification – not less
than 12 months
Subsequent offences
(Court penalty)
Not less than $1,100 and not more than
$1,800 fine and 4 demerit points and
Licence disqualification – not less
than 2 years
Penalties apply to drivers who refuse or fail to undertake a drug screening test,
oral fluid analysis or blood test when required to do so by a police officer.