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Summarised by Centrist
In 2021, there were 99 fatal crashes in New Zealand where drugs were detected in a driver’s blood. Drugs are present in nearly one-third of all fatal crashes on New Zealand roads.
Methamphetamine and cannabis are considered the two substances most commonly linked to impaired driving.
Wastewater testing has shown meth use doubling nationally over the past year, while New Zealand continues to rank among the world’s highest consumers of cannabis.
Each drug has different effects on driving. Methamphetamine can lead to erratic behaviour and overconfidence, while cannabis slows reaction times, decreases concentration, and impairs coordination.
Legislation explicitly lists 25 substances, ranging from recreational drugs like cocaine and meth to prescription medicines such as zopiclone, that can affect a driver’s ability.
Fatal crashes involving drugs have often followed similar patterns, with high-speed driving, sudden collisions, and severe injuries or deaths. Court cases and reports detail the lasting impact on families who lose loved ones in such incidents.
Drug driving laws require drivers to understand how long substances can remain in their system, as effects can last beyond when the user feels “safe” to drive.
The Brake New Zealand charity, which supports bereaved families, points to the additional strain when crashes result from a driver’s decision to use drugs or alcohol before driving.
While alcohol remains a major cause of road deaths, drug driving has become an increasing focus of enforcement and public campaigns.
