Drugged drivers 'need harder line'

95 per cent of those who failed the impairment tests returned blood samples that were positive for drugs. Photo / APN

Police conducted fewer than 500 drugged-driving tests under the first 21 months of new traffic regulations, prompting a renewed call for a harder line.

That compares with 53,036 alcohol breath tests taken in one weekend in May, when 467 drivers were found over the limit.

Figures issued under the Official Information Act show that 479 compulsory impairment tests for drugs other than alcohol were conducted between November 1, 2009, and the end of July.

Just 63 drivers passed the tests, and 395 blood samples from the 416 who failed showed positive for a qualifying drug, whether consumed illegally or in prescription medication.

The highest offending rate was detected in the Bay of Plenty, where 72 people were charged with driving under the influence of drugs compared with the runner-up police district Waitemata, where 40 were charged.

National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said THC, the active ingredient in cannabis and hashish, showed up in 276 samples.

That was followed by 82 samples containing stimulants, a category including methamphetamine such as P, and Ecstasy.

Sedatives and opioids, both of which are contained in prescription medicine as well as being used illegally, accounted for 45 and 39 positive results respectively.

The results have left AA motoring affairs general manager Mike Noon underwhelmed, and repeating a call for random roadside saliva tests, a suggestion ruled out by the Government.

Mr Noon said drug impairment tests were conducted on drivers who passed alcohol breath screening, yet appeared to be "still out of it".

"You have to be really out of it to be caught by this - this is only catching the very worst of the worst," he said. "So we are calling for roadside saliva testing, which is being done in every Australian state."

He said that was more straightforward than impairment testing, which was time-consuming. Impairment testing includes assessments of eye pupil sizes and co-ordination, walking and turning, and a driver's ability to stand on one leg while counting backwards.

Mr Noon said the low number of drivers caught did not reflect a finding of the Environment, Science and Research institute that 48 per cent of 1046 drivers who died in road crashes between 2004 and 2009 were tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

Of those who tested positive, 72 per cent - or 365 drivers - had either used cannabis by itself, alcohol in combination with cannabis, or a cocktail of drugs.

"New Zealand has got one of the highest rates of cannabis and methamphetamine use and it's completely and utterly naive to expect daily users of those drugs not to be driving."

Ms Rose confirmed that drivers who failed breath alcohol tests were not tested for other drugs, saying there was little to be gained from doing do.

"This is because drink-driving offences are less complex and therefore easier to prove than drugged-driving offences."

HIGH TEST RESULTS

* 479 drugged-driving impairment tests.

* 416 drivers failed the tests.

* 395 blood samples returned positive for drugs (95 per cent of those who failed impairment tests).