Almost one-in-five ACT drivers tested positive for illicit drugs in 2023 while roadside drug testing continues to fall, according to new research by the NRMA.  

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said drivers who combined illicit drugs with alcohol were 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. 

“It is extremely alarming that one-in-five drivers pulled over for a random drug test on the side of the road tested positive at the same time that the ACT road toll has more than doubled to nine deaths,” Mr Khoury said. 

It has called on the ACT government to increase roadside drug testing, saying only 1050 roadside drug tests were conducted in 2023, falling 75 per cent since 2019. Almost one-in-five (19 per cent)  tests returned positive. 

With the road toll rising, the NRMA is calling for: 

• An increase in roadside drug testing. 
• Resourcing for police to ensure high visibility policing, especially on country roads. 
• Publicly release roadside drug and alcohol testing enforcement data sooner. 
• More public education on the effects of drug driving, including medication. 
• A review of warning labels on medication that could impair driving. 

“Too many Australians are driving high and it’s clear we need to ramp up enforcement and to boost  education campaigns around ending this dangerous behaviour,” Mr Khoury said. 

“Random drug testing sends the message that if you take the risk you will get caught and as we head into the Christmas party season this serves as an important reminder.” 

In the ACT, police can use roadside drug testing to test for the presence of cannabis, methylamphetamine and MDMA. Testing for cocaine begins in January. The introduction of the ACT’s personal use of cannabis laws do not change the zero tolerance laws to drug driving.