The total number of people killed on Australian roads in 2006 was 1601, with a further 31 204 people suffering serious injuries. Many factors are believed to contribute to traffic accidents, including drug and alcohol use, fatigue and speed.
This paper examines the impact of alcohol and other drug use, including various pharmaceuticals, on road deaths and injuries. It also outlines a number of strategies that are currently being implemented to minimise and reduce the number of drivers who consume drugs.
Prevention strategies include current education activities in schools, advertising campaigns and information provided by health professionals.
Detecting drug driving, and treatment and education following the loss of licence due to drug driving, are also discussed.
All of these approaches work together to reduce the number of individuals who drive under the influence of drugs.
In addition to a review of relevant literature, the views of key informants who have professional experience in a range of fields (alcohol and other drug service delivery, road safety and research) were sought to inform this paper.
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