Drug drivers and motorists who illegally use their mobile phones will be targeted in the NSW government's road safety reforms which include world-leading technology to nab texting drivers.
The reforms, which passed NSW parliament on Wednesday, extend powers to authorities for roadside oral testing of cocaine, increase penalties for driving under the influence and introduce red-light-style cameras capable of detecting mobile phones used by drivers.
Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said NSW was the first state in Australia to introduce the legislation which would come into effect from July 1 this year.
Ms Pavey noted from 2012 to 2017 there were 184 crashes which involved illegal mobile phone use, resulting in seven deaths and 105 injuries.
The move also follows a crash in February where two police officers were critically injured after a driver allegedly looked at his phone for 10-20 seconds when he ploughed into them in Sydney's southwest.
The new camera technology will be similar to the automated cameras in force to address speeding and red-light running which the NSW government says have been "highly effective".
"Driving under the influence of drugs has emerged as a significant factor in our road toll, along with alcohol, speeding, fatigue and mobile phone distraction," Ms Pavey said in a statement on Wednesday.
Last year 74 people lost their lives in crashes where a driver or rider had an illicit drug present in their system.
