I joined The Frontline with Dr Gary Payinda to discuss the complexities and controversies surrounding New Zealand's roll out of roadside drug testing.
Roadside testing is being presented by the goverment as a straightforward road safety measure and a crack down on dangerous drug use. But looking at the details of the scheme reveals not only a highly politcal agenda, but the lack of evidence for many of the new rules and testing devices.
In conversation with a doctor very much on the frontline of drugs in this country, I discuss the more complicated reality of drugs, intoxication, and road saftey.
Not all illegal drugs will impair drivers, and measuring the historical presence of drugs in someone's oral fluid is not a valid indicator of impairment.
Why are inebriating substances that are not illicit such as opiods and benzos not being tested for?
Ultimately, we conclude that this policy will be effective at criminilising certains communtities, if not in improving road saftey.