Official figures show alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In 2022 alcohol and drugs were contributors to 200 fatal crashes on our roads. Despite this, only 26% of drivers think they are likely to be caught drug driving.
Government’s new legislation to enable roadside drug testing will reduce drug-related road accidents, reduce injuries, save taxpayer money, and most importantly, save lives says The Drug Detection Agency’s (TDDA) Chief Executive Officer Glenn Dobson.
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers adds, “It is important that legislation is workable from a road freight operator perspective and NRC looks forward to working with the Government to achieve this.”
He says NRC has worked with TDDA for many years to reduce risks on the roads by providing operators and trucking companies with advice, guidance and testing services. This helps truck drivers comply with the law and drive safely.
“We work closely with truck drivers across the country. We know they take their jobs and road safety seriously. Professional drivers are people too, and any injury accidents – no matter who is at fault – cause mental distress and anguish. Managing road risks is in all our interests.
Mr Dobson add, “Higher risk on the roads leads to accidents, accidents close roads and stop trucks, and when trucks stop so do many other businesses. That costs people money and the flow on effects continue, taxpayers fund crash investigations, businesses pay for TDDA post incident testing, and insurance premiums go up. Now is not the time to add cost burdens to families or businesses.”
Mr Tighe-Umbers says higher risk on the roads also likely means higher insurance premiums as insurance is risk priced and paid on probability. “When households and businesses are already managing tight finances, every step we can take to reduce drug-related road accidents will save money as well as saving lives and reducing injuries.”
TDDA provides New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services, processing more than 250,000 tests each year throughout Australasia.
