Rid Roads of Impaired Drivers

The evidence suggests that high doses of cannabis increase crash risk, with possible additional
risk posed by cannabis in combination with alcohol. As mentioned earlier, field screening
procedures are now able to be used in Victoria, followed by evidential bodily fluid testing if they are
positive. Further, there is the need for an improved understanding of the relationship between the
cannabis dosage, recorded levels of cannabis in blood or other specimens, the associated
impairments in driving skills and the impact on crash risk.

Given the limitations of the available research, it is problematic whether cannabis can be identified
as an immediate road safety priority. It is considered essential, however, that research in this area
continues. For example, the Austroads Working Group on Drugs and Driving has recommended
that a watching brief be maintained in regard to Australasian and international development of
understanding of the effect of drugs, particularly cannabis, on driver impairment, crash risk and
responsibility.

In the meantime, it remains that police in Australasian jurisdictions are empowered to take action
against impaired drivers – whether that impairment is attributable to alcohol, cannabis or to other
factors.

Role of Cannabis in Road Crashes PDF