NZ drug driving habits to be examined

Published: 12:48AM Thursday November 20, 2008 Source: NZPA

• Email this article
• Print this article
• Text size + -
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook

New Zealanders drug driving habits are to go under the microscope in a new online survey.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has launched the survey to find out about people's attitudes and behaviours towards drug driving.

Drug Foundation director Ross Bell says a lot was known about drink driving but there had been very little research done on other substances.

"We lack a clear picture of how many New Zealanders have driven after using drugs, which drugs people tend to drive on, and what they think about the risks of drug driving."

Bell says the research was important to help in the development of education and prevention initiatives.

"The issue of roadside drug testing is a case in point. Until we have an idea of the scale of the drug driving problem and some knowledge of what people think, we can't be sure whether such measures are a worthwhile investment, or whether they would even work."

Bell says international research showed that driving under the influence of drugs could be dangerous, but many people did not understand the risks involved.

A similar survey conducted in Australia last year found drug users were less likely to think drug driving was dangerous compared to those who did not use drugs.

Bell said he was hoping for at least 10,000 responses to the New Zealand survey and that it was anonymous to allow respondents to answer honestly about their own drug-taking habits.

• Email this article
• Print this article
• Text size + -
• more...
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook

Health News Video

• Opposition to maternity cuts grows (1:54) 
• Smiling no matter what (13:33) 
• Wanganui hospital suffers maternity staff shortage (1:55) 

Health & Lifestyle News

• Wanganui Hospital plans cuts to maternity services watch
• opinion Jack Tame: The test
• HIV infected are going undiagnosed - research watch
• Toxic algae warning on Hurunui River
• NZ acne drug to be sold in America
• Magic mushrooms studied for depression treatment
• Aussie kids risk spinal damage from schoolbags

Most Popular

1. Engineer calls for Williamson's resignation watch
2. Dog bites TV presenter live on air watch
3. Investigation after sweet treat turns sour watch
4. Endangered sea lion shot on Otago Peninsula
5. Marines claim 'ignorance' after posing with Nazi symbol

rssLatest News

• 21:30 New Zealand struggling in Davis Cup clash
• 21:17 Brazilian oil giant appoints female president
• 21:07 Lakers down Celtics in overtime
• 21:06 Engineer calls for Williamson's resignation watch
• 20:51 Man approaching children sparks police warning

Advertising