Queensland’s concerning trend of drug driving among young motorists

A survey conducted by the Royal Automotive Club in Queensland (RACQ) has revealed close to one in six drivers aged 18-24 years old reported driving while under the influence of drugs in the state.

According to the data, 23 per cent of those within the age group admitted to being under the influence of prescribed or illegal drugs while driving – and 16 per cent disclosed they drove while impaired by illicit substances.

While the percentage of prohibited drug use when driving lowered as drivers get older – 8 per cent of motorists aged 25 to 34 and 5 per cent of drivers from 35 to 44 years old still reported using illegal substances before getting behind the steering wheel.

Similarly, data obtained by Drive from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed approximately 17 per cent of 18-24 drivers were caught drug driving and charged by police between October 2020 to September 2023.

In comparison, 0.9 per cent of Victoria's 18-25 age group self-reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs according to the Traffic Accident Commission's (TAC) 2022 Road Safety Monitor report.

Additionally, it's not only illegal drugs that can negatively impact a driver's perception, legal substances can also have an effect on motorists – with 8 per cent of survey respondents reporting driving while under the influence of prescribed medication.

"Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect your vision, mood, decision-making skills, muscles, and coordination and therefore your inability to drive," Dr Michael Kane of the RACQ said in a media statement.

“No driver can say they didn’t know it was illegal to drink or drug drive.”

According to data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland – drug driving contributes approximately 20 per cent to road deaths over a five-year average.

This survey results come as Queensland is yet to introduce mandatory roadside drug testing following vehicle accidents – with the RACQ calling for this mandate to be included in the Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2022-2024.