This paper outlines research conducted to provide an estimate of the extent of drug driving in a sample of Queensland drivers in a metropolitan and regional area e.g. Brisbane and Townsville. Oral fluid samples were collected from 2381 motorists who volunteered to participate in the study after proceeding from a random breath testing site. Illicit substances were screened using the Cozart RapiScan oral fluid drug test device and included cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, and cocaine. Drivers also completed a self-report questionnaire regarding their drug driving behaviour. Overall, 3.8 per cent of the sample screened positive for at least one illicit substance, although multiple drugs were identified in a sample of 19 participants. The most common drugs detected in oral fluid were ecstasy, cannabis, followed by amphetamines. A key finding was that cannabis was confirmed as the most common self-reported drug combined with driving and that individuals who tested positive to any drug through oral fluid analysis were also more likely to report the highest frequency of drug driving. This research provides evidence that drug driving is relatively prevalent on Queensland roads and may in fact be more common than drink driving. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E217329.
Samenvatting