Drugs
DID YOU KNOW?
- A drug is a substance, solid, liquid or gas, that changes the functions or structures of the body in some way
- Most frequently detected substances from blood samples include alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis and methamphetamine Prescription medications and a range of other commonly used drugs can also impair your driving. Check your drug on the NZ Drug Foundation website www.nzdf.org.nz
- Benzodiazepines (depressant) – central nervous system depressant with anxiety relieving and sleep inducing properties. Common names are valium, imovane, xanax and diazepam. Further info.
- Cannabis (depressant) – comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, the main active ingredient is THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). Marijuana is the most common form of cannabis. Further info.
- Methamphetamine (stimulant) – One of the most common forms of amphetamines is methamphetamine – a powerful and highly addictive synthetic drug, commonly called ‘P’. Further info.
- Prescription medications and a range of other commonly used drugs can also impair your driving. Check your drug on the NZ Drug Foundation website www.nzdf.org.nz
- Taking a combination of drugs and/or alcohol leads to much higher crash risks
- Drug taking is likely to impair driving performance – including hazard response, reduced reflexes, vision, drifting, speed and aggression
- Research indicates that a significant proportion of the driving public may be driving under the influence of prescribed or illegal drugs
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE RISK?
- Ask your doctor or chemist if it is safe to drive when taking your prescribed medication
- Read all prescriptions carefully before you take them – look out for any side effects
- Be fully aware that drugs have the ability to impair driving competence
- If you are using drugs refrain from driving and make alternative driving arrangements – do not combine drugs and driving