40 Years of Random Breath Testing in NSW: A Story of Dramatic Decline in Road Toll

Strategic Insights -

The 40th anniversary of the introduction of random breath testing (RBT) in NSW was marked with a record number of breath and drug tests conducted during Operation Fume, a state-wide operation targeting drug and alcohol-related driving offences. The operation, which ran from December 16 to 17, 2022, saw police conduct 36,242 breath tests and 10,491 drug tests, resulting in over 500 motorists being detected driving with the presence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs. The operation demonstrated the continued importance of RBT in preventing road fatalities and reiterating the message that drink and drug driving are unacceptable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation Fume, the latest high-visibility operation, was conducted across NSW from December 16 to 17, 2022, targeting drug and alcohol-related driving offences.
  • During the operation, police conducted a record 36,242 breath tests and 10,491 drug tests, detecting over 500 motorists driving with alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
  • Police charged 169 drivers with alcohol-related driving offences, while 390 drivers tested positive to illicit drugs.
  • The tests will undergo further analysis, and follow-up legal proceedings are expected.
  • Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden emphasized that police will continue to target drivers who have consumed drugs or alcohol, emphasizing the importance of a social contract among road users.
  • RBT has been instrumental in reducing the road toll in NSW, with a dramatic decline in fatalities since its introduction.

Statistics:

  • 36,242 breath tests were conducted during Operation Fume.
  • 10,491 drug tests were conducted during the same period.
  • Over 500 motorists were detected driving with the presence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs.
  • 169 drivers were charged with alcohol-related driving offences.
  • 390 drivers tested positive for illicit drugs.
  • Since the introduction of RBT, there has been a dramatic decline in road fatalities in NSW.

Sources:

  • State of New South Wales (NSW Police Force)
  • NSW Police Online