An 18-year-old has been charged after allegedly driving while inhaling nitrous oxide in the Bay of Plenty earlier this month.
Police said it was investigating a number of serious crashes - including on behalf of the coroner - where people huffing nitrous oxide, or 'nangs', was potentially a contributor.
Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the Rotorua driver was stopped after a member of the public observed them allegedly inhaling from a balloon on Te Ngae Rd around 3pm on Wednesday, January 7.
The vehicle was followed and stopped by police shortly after.
The 18-year-old was charged with dangerous driving and was forbidden to drive.
Gillbanks said it was "extremely concerning behaviour" which could seriously impact a person's capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.
"Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects.
"The effects might be temporary, but there is no margin for error when you’re driving tonnes of metal around," he said.
Gillbanks said "nitrous oxide, or any drugs or alcohol have no place in your system if you’re driving".
"If you black out while you’re driving then you’re likely to kill or maim yourself, your passengers, or some other innocent person – why would you want to take that risk?"
In October a report from Coroner Matthew Bates highlighted the dangers of using nitrous oxide while driving.
Five people were killed in a horror crash north of Te Awamutu in May 2024 after a vehicle crossed the centre line and smashed head-on into an oncoming car.
The driver who caused the crash was "significantly impaired" by her use of nitrous oxide, the coroner found.
"If you see someone inhaling from balloons or similar items while driving, call 111 immediately," Gillbanks said.
“If you have any information concerning the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, or anywhere this is being sold for other than its intended purpose, please notify police via our 105 service.”
If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug taking, you can reach out to the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681.
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