Volume 1: The problem and countermeasures: STAYSAFE has reviewed the extent to which drink-driving and drug-driving pose a road safety risk in New South Wales, and has reviewed the countermeasures that have been taken to address the road safety problems posed by alcohol and other drugs. Driving while affected by alcohol is a major road safety problem in New South Wales. STAYSAFE is satisfied that the introduction of random breath testing for the presence of alcohol in 1982 was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of drink-driving. However, STAYSAFE is uncertain if random breath testing continues to be used in an manner that maximises its effectiveness as a drink-driving countermeasure, despite the maintenance of a high number of random breath tests being administered by police annually. STAYSAFE has identified a need to re-assess the policies and procedures underlying the management and operation of the random breath testing program. STAYSAFE is also concerned about a lack of coordination of drink-driving countermeasures. STAYSAFE has noted a need to develop long term advertising and public relations policies and strategies that address the different facets of drink driving. Overall, STAYSAFE has concluded that drink-driving research and policy in New South Wales is in need of substantial review. STAYSAFE has found that the extent of drug-driving in New South Wales, and the problem posed by drug-driving, remains unknown. STAYSAFE notes the expenditure of almost $0.6 million of road safety research' funds since 1985 with the specific purpose of establishing the nature of the drug driving problem. STAYSAFE has been particularly concerned with the failure to report the results, to date, of this drug-driving research program, and has requested that the Office of Public Management of the Premier's Department investigate the circumstances surrounding the management of the program by the Roads and Traffic Authority. STAYSAFE has found that, as a result of the difficulties in establishing the nature of drug-driving in New South Wales, the development of countermeasures to drug driving have been few and fragmented. STAYSAFE has indicated its concern with the need to ensure effective coordination of drug-driving research activities and countermeasure strategies.
Samenvatting