Driving and clubbing in Sydney: A study of drug use and risk among nightclub attendees
NDARC Staff
Louisa Degenhardt, Paul Dillon, Joanne Ross and Gabrielle Campbell
Rationale
In response to concerns about the occurrence of illicit drug use among drivers, in December 2003, the Victorian Government was the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass legislation that would allow the conduct of random roadside testing. This was to be completed by means of a saliva test, for two illicit drugs: THC (the main active ingredient of cannabis) and methylamphetamine (a drug variously sold as “speed” methamphetamine powder, “base” methamphetamine, or “crystal” methamphetamine). The test is designed to detect the presence of drugs recently consumed (rather that, for example, metabolites of the drugs that might remain in the body after the user’s driving performance may no longer be affected). Roadside saliva screening for illicit drugs was begun in Victoria in late 2004.
In 2006 the NSW Government planned to introduce similar legislation. In anticipation of the introduction of roadside saliva testing in NSW, this study aimed to collect baseline data around the issue of illicit drug use and driving among nightclub attendees in Sydney, NSW.
Aims
The aim of the proposed study were to:
- document the demographics and drug use history (including level and frequency of current use) of nightclub attendees prior to the introduction of roadside drug testing in NSW
- document the reported ways in which nightclub attendees report travelling to and from nightclubs
- examine nightclub attendees’ drug driving behaviour and their risk perception of the effects of different drugs upon driving ability; and
- document the knowledge of roadside drug testing prior to its introduction in NSW and whether the introduction of such an initiative would change their drug use/driving behaviour
Design and Method
The questionnaire was administered throughout November in 2006, in two inner-city venues, Sydney, NSW. Attempts were made to recruit a number of different venues in different areas of Sydney; however, many venues were reluctant to become involved. Two inner-city dance venues agreed to participate and recruitment at these venues took place over two weekends in November.
Data were collected between the hours of 10pm and 3am at the two venues. At each venue data was collected one night a week for two weeks. Interviews were conducted on Thursday and Saturday nights at one venue, and on Friday nights at the other venue. Relatively quiet areas, in a discrete setting were selected by interviewers in order to administer the interview to participants. Research assistants approached venue attendees and asked if they would like to participate in the study. If the person was interested, the research assistant explained the study in more detail, and written informed consent was obtained. Participants self-completed the survey which took approximately 10 minutes. Research assistants checked over the survey upon completion, to ensure the participant had completed the survey correctly. Upon completion of the survey, participants were offered a voucher for a bottle of still water; an incentive that proved to be very successful. Research assistants encountered few difficulties in terms of venue and recruitment, and refusal rates were extremely low at each of the venues.
Progress
The study has been completed and a report issued to the funding body.
Benefits
We anticipate that this baseline study could serve as a model upon which further follow-up studies could be run, (potentially at a national level given the number of jurisdictions considering roadside drug testing) in which potential changes in such behaviours could be assessed. Further studies could include the following:
- study conducted during 12 month moratorium
- study conducted post-moratorium
- extension study examining possibility of diversion for those identified as ‘heavy users’ and who do not change their behaviour
Funding
NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA)