MEDIA RELEASE Embargoed 6 am, Tuesday 5 December 2006 Prescription for disaster – drivers ignore drug warnings
Despite the dangers, one-quarter of al drivers (27%) national y admit to ignoring medical advice
not to drive after taking certain prescription medicines, according to research from AAMI.
“AAMI’s survey results show that many drivers are ignoring medical and pharmaceutical warnings
about the risks of driving after taking prescription medicine,” said AAMI Public Affairs Manager
According to the surveyi, more than twice as many people drive under the influence of prescription
drugs as recreational drugs (27% versus 11%).
“Most drivers (67%) believe that il icit drugs pose a greater threat on our roads than prescription
drugs, however, tendency to drive after using prescription medication despite a ‘no driving warning’
is more common – less than half as many people said they drove after using recreational drugs
(e.g. marijuana, cocaine, speed or ecstasy) than after using prescription drugs,” said Mr Hughes.
“While governments have focused on testing drivers for alcohol and il icit drugs, evidence indicates
that prescription and over-the-counter drugs are also of concern.”
Most drivers (72%) aged 35-44 believe prescription drugs are a hidden danger on our roads.
Fewer young drivers (under 25) and older drivers (over 65) agree (both 62%).
“Interestingly, the people most likely to drive after taking prescription drugs are those aged 35-44
(35%) versus one-quarter of young drivers (25%) – although the older group seems to recognise
the dangers and arguably should know better, they are most likely to do this,” said Mr Hughes.
Drivers say drug-driving is safer than drink-driving
One in 12 drivers (8%) believe driving after using recreational drugs is safer than driving after
drinking, and one in four (25%) are not sure. One in 20 Australian drivers (5%) say that using a
smal amount of recreational drugs before driving doesn’t real y affect one’s driving ability, and one
in nine (11%) are not sure if recreational drugs affect driving or not.
“AAMI’s survey results show an alarming perception by some drivers that it’s safe to drive after
using il icit drugs: one in 20 think it is OK to do so,” said Mr Hughes.
“These results show that it isn’t just young drivers who are ignoring warnings about the dangers of
driving while under the influence of drugs. Drivers need to know that drugs have the potential to
impair their driving ability, whether they are prescription or il icit drugs.”
Support for random roadside drug testing
The AAMI research also found that most drivers (92%) support random roadside drug testing of
drivers, including 88% of young drivers. Only half of Australians (48%) think the results of random
roadside drugs tests are reliable, with young drivers being the most likely to agree (57%).
“While young drivers are more liberal in their attitude to recreational drugs and driving, the majority
supports random roadside drug testing and they are also more likely to trust the results,” he said.
Push for more drug-driving research
The release of the findings comes shortly after the launch of a major national online survey by the
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) and Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre, with funding from
AAMI. The anonymous, ten-minute survey is live at www.drugdriving.org.au
i The survey of 2384 Australians was independently conducted for AAMI by Sweeney Research. National
data includes al States and Territories except Western Australia, as AAMI does not operate there.
The Director of the ADF’s Centre for Youth Drug Studies, Dr Jane Mal ick, said as wel as
examining attitudes and behaviour about drugs and driving, the research focuses on the lesser-
known area of prescription drugs, as wel as the prevalence of poly-drug use – for example,
people’s propensity to mix alcohol and drugs with driving.
“Research to date suggests Australian drivers are increasingly prepared to risk their lives, and the
lives of other road users, by driving while impaired by drugs. However, there is little information
available as to why people think it is safe to use drugs and drive,” Dr Mal ick said.
“It is advisable not to drink alcohol when taking other drugs, and people certainly should not mix
alcohol, drugs and driving – even smal amounts of alcohol combined with drugs or medications
This applies to medicines prescribed by a doctor, bought in a supermarket or pharmacy, or il icit
drugs such as cannabis or speed. People should check with their GP about whether any
medications – or combination of medications – being taken could affect their ability to drive, as wel
as checking any labels on medication for warnings against driving. In al States and Territories of
Australia, it is an offence to drive when impaired by drugs – penalties, detection and enforcement
Note to editors: Fol owing is some information on some common prescription and over-the- counter drugs, and their possible side effects: Generic Name Possible side effects brand name available)
Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of concentration
Pain management Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness
Pain management Muscle twitches, lightheadedness,
Pain management Light-headedness, dizziness
Pain, Inflammation Seizures, weakness, dizziness, ear ringing
Checking labels
Prescription drug packaging usual y carries a special label outlining any specific warnings:
To arrange a media interview or for further information, please contact:
Geoff Hughes, AAMI Public Affairs Manager, ph 03 8520 1469 or 0413 483 591
Brian O’Neil, Public Relations Exchange, ph 03 9607 4500 or 0411 055 284
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MEDIA RELEASE 
The Director of the ADF’s Centre for Youth Drug Studies, Dr Jane Mal ick, said as wel as
examining attitudes and behaviour about drugs and driving, the research focuses on the lesser-
known area of prescription drugs, as wel as the prevalence of poly-drug use – for example,
people’s propensity to mix alcohol and drugs with driving.
“Research to date suggests Australian drivers are increasingly prepared to risk their lives, and the
lives of other road users, by driving while impaired by drugs. However, there is little information
available as to why people think it is safe to use drugs and drive,” Dr Mal ick said.
“It is advisable not to drink alcohol when taking other drugs, and people certainly should not mix
alcohol, drugs and driving – even smal amounts of alcohol combined with drugs or medications
This applies to medicines prescribed by a doctor, bought in a supermarket or pharmacy, or il icit
drugs such as cannabis or speed. People should check with their GP about whether any
medications – or combination of medications – being taken could affect their ability to drive, as wel
as checking any labels on medication for warnings against driving. In al States and Territories of
Australia, it is an offence to drive when impaired by drugs – penalties, detection and enforcement