Drugs factor in deaths on roads say police

Nelson police estimate up to a fifth of the region's fatal road accidents are linked to the use of illegal drugs.

Road policing manager Inspector Hugh Flower said it was estimated a similar percentage of the region's non-fatal road accidents also involved drivers under the influence of drugs.

Cannabis was thought to be the main culprit as it had been found in blood tests collected as evidence, Mr Flower said.

There have been calls for a national crackdown on drivers who get behind the wheel after taking illicit substances.

New Zealand police are considering the introduction of a device that could detect drugged drivers at roadside testing, similar to that used for detecting alcohol. Police have the power to carry out a blood test or order a medical examination if they suspect a driver is on drugs.

But Mr Flower was unsure how often police used this measure.

He said it would depend on an officer's experience and ability to spot the physical signs of drug impairment.

Retired road accident researcher John Bailey said autopsy results on 438 New Zealand drivers killed in 1995-96 revealed 21 per cent had detectable cannabis in their blood.

- NZPA