9. MICHAEL WOODHOUSE (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What reports has he received updating him on the early results of the anti - drugged driving legislation passed last year?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
I received preliminary figures showing that the recently passed, anti - drug-driving law is working well and as intended. The police have carried out 182 physical impairment tests and have collected a further 17 blood samples from hospitalised drivers who were unable to undergo a physical impairment test. Of the 169 blood samples analysed so far, the vast majority—153—have had drugs or alcohol detected, and the remaining 16 have detected nothing.
Michael Woodhouse Link to this
How many drivers have been charged with drug-driving in the last 7 months?
So far 111 drivers have been charged with drug-driving. This has resulted in 47 convictions, with 54 cases still waiting to be heard. The fact that the majority of drivers who failed the physical impairment test have drugs in their blood stream shows the testing regime is working as it was intended. Combating drug-driving is a high priority for the Government and an important part of our road safety effort.