Previously drug testing teams have travelled to the region once every three months to conduct the random roadside tests, however Orange police station now has its own Draeger drug test 5000 device.

Dr Allan, the deputy chief executive officer of The Lyndon Community, said while most drivers are aware of how alcohol can impair their driving capabilities, many don’t know the impact various illicit drugs can have on their driving ability.

“People know not to drive when they’re drinking but here hasn’t been a big campaign about the affect drugs can have on your driving,” she said.

“Random drug testing is not being used as a deterrent in the same way that random breath testing is.”

Dr Allan said because random drug testing can prove a costly process she wonders how often police will do it.

“Just because they can do random drug tests doesn’t mean they’ll do it every Friday and Saturday night,” she said.

“Also they don’t drug test everyone they pull over for a random breath test.

“They may make judgement calls about who they test, they may select people who are young or have dreadlocks for example.”

Dr Allan said it was difficult for people to determine how they would be impaired by drug use, with body size and the amount of drugs consumed, needing to be taken into consideration.

Dr Allan said some drugs take longer to metabolise than others with cannabis able to remain in people’s system for around two weeks while amphetamines and ecstasy can still be detected for around two or three days after consumption.

“It will be interesting to see how people way up the risks of using drugs and driving,” Dr Allan said.

“Regular drug users might seek extra assistance to cut down.”

Previously random drug testing had only occurred around once every three months so with more regular testing now being introduced Dr Allan said she expects to see additional demand for the services of The Lyndon Community.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au