All Victorians know the dangers of drink-driving, but are we educated enough about the dangers of drug-driving?

Decades of education about drinking to excess and driving has reduced the number of alcohol related accidents but drug-driving is actually on the increase.

The use of illicit substances slows reaction times, and increases the chance of accidents on Victorian roads. Victoria Police figures reveal that drugs officially surpassed alcohol as the leading factor in fatal accidents from 2014 onwards. Further, recent statistics released by St Vincent's Hospital show that the number of people ordered by a court to attend courses on the dangers of drug driving has overtaken the number of people required to attend similar courses for drunk driving.

An injured driver affected by drugs can be punished by the court but also not receive as much help as others injured on the road.

If a driver suffers an injury and is found to be under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of the accident, the TAC may still provide assistance in the form of medical expenses and weekly payments. Whether this assistance will be provided will depend on whether the driver is convicted of a criminal offence as a result of the transport accident, and if so, whether the driver can show that the presence of illicit substances did not contribute in any way to the accident.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury as a result of a transport accident, we invite you to contact one of our injury experts on (03) 9321 9988.