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
- 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. Common names are 'P' (short for 'pure'), crystal meth or ice. 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

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 side effects at the beginning of your treatment
Be fully aware that drugs have the ability to impair driving competence
If you are in any doubt about your ability to drive safely – refrain from driving, don’t take the risk
If you are using impairing drugs refrain from driving and make alternative driving arrangements – do not combine drugs and driving