19 April 2018

Drug testing of drivers is an essential tool

Random drug testing of drivers is a necessary tool in the struggle against the increasing carnage on our roads, Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne says.

Responding to the Associate Minister of Transport Julie-Anne Genter’s indication that funding for proposed random drug testing of drivers by police is questionable, Richard said the Minister may not appreciate the devastating impact on communities affected by drug driving.

“Unfortunately it is a fact there are an increasing number of drivers on our roads under the influence of cannabis and P. It is even more unfortunate that these drivers are involved in crashes causing death or serious injury – we have seen that all too clearly in Tasman District.

“To not support efforts to combat this rising threat and provide a deterrent to the behaviour effectively gives drivers who choose to drive under the influence of drugs a free pass.

“We all know the success the drink driving campaigns have had over the last few years but they have also had the back up of appropriate testing. Without a strong reason to suspect drug use, our police are not able to carry out roadside impairment tests for drugs. With the power to carry out random testing they would have the opportunity to prevent drug-induced accidents.

“I personally – and I believe this is a sentiment shared by the wider community – want our police to be the fence at the top of the cliff rather than simply joining the ambulances at the bottom.

“Knowing what caused a crash is one thing, identifying those at risk of causing one before it happens is better.”

ends

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