Hunter Region Witnesses Shift as Drug-Driving Offences Exceed Drink-Driving
New data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has uncovered a concerning trend in the Hunter region, where drug-driving offences have now surpassed drink-driving incidents over a recent 12-month period. This marks a significant shift from previous years when drink-driving was more prevalent.
Statistical Breakdown Reveals Alarming Increases
The comprehensive crime data shows that between October 2024 and September 2025, there were 1,715 drug-driving offences recorded in the Hunter region, compared to 1,385 drink-driving offences. Additionally, authorities detected 43 incidents where both drug and alcohol impairment were present.
This represents a substantial 35 percent increase from the previous 12-month period, when total drink- and drug-driving offences stood at 2,324. The latest figures show 3,143 offences where legal action was taken by police during the reporting period.
Of these offences, 2,214 proceeded to court, 928 resulted in fines, and one case involved court diversion - a program that can include rehabilitation, treatment or education as an alternative to a criminal record.
Regional Hotspots Show Dramatic Spikes
The data reveals particularly concerning trends in specific areas of the Hunter region. Cessnock experienced the most dramatic increase, with 468 drug and drink-driving offences recorded in the 12 months to September 2025 - representing a 74 percent surge from the 268 offences in the previous year.
In Cessnock, 285 of these offences proceeded to court, 182 resulted in fines, and one involved court diversion.
Lake Macquarie recorded the highest number of offences in the region, with 748 incidents in the year to September 2025. This represents an increase from 591 offences in the previous 12-month period. Within Lake Macquarie, 581 offences proceeded to court while 167 resulted in fines.
Newcastle followed closely with 735 offences during the same period, including 582 that ended up in court and 153 that resulted in fines.
Police Response and Public Warning
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers continue to conduct regular high-visibility operations across both main roads and back roads throughout the Hunter region. Traffic North Highway Patrol commander Superintendent Julie Boon delivered a stern message to drivers following the concerning rise in offences.
"There is no excuse to get behind the wheel of a car with alcohol or drugs in your system, the same goes for speeding, distracted driving and not wearing a seatbelt or a helmet," Superintendent Boon emphasised.
She further warned that "Anyone who breaks the law is not just gambling with their life, but with the lives of their passengers and others on the road."
Superintendent Boon acknowledged that most drivers are heeding advice and avoiding risky driving behaviour, but reinforced the police's clear and simple message: "If you choose to consume alcohol or drugs, do not drive."
The commander concluded with a powerful reminder: "Police are doing their job, but we need everyone else to do theirs. Drive like your life depends on it - because it does."
