Abstract
Aim: To update prescribers about the revised Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2022 (LTAA) and implications for prescribing.
Methods: We reviewed the legislation of the LTAA and the specific drugs identified in it, mainly benzodiazepines and opioids. We also briefly reviewed published evidence on the impact of benzodiazepines and opioids on driving.
Results: Both opioids and benzodiazepines are associated with increased accidents in observational (non-controlled) studies, though the odds ratios are small (at most 1.65 for benzodiazepines and around 2.0 for opioids), and accident events are rare. Prescribers are not advised to do blood levels or bedside testing to assess driving fitness. They should consult a peer group or mental health pharmacist when advising patients taking multiple psychoactive medications if they are safe to drive.
Conclusion: There are no current jurisprudence or guidelines for prescribers on how to interact with the LTAA. Nor is it clear if or how investigations or complaints relating to the LTAA would be handled by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), the Medical Council of New Zealand and/or the Coroner. Until more detailed instructions are published, this article should provide some guidance for professionals who prescribe benzodiazepines or opioids.