Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving.

Police are aware of some people illegitimately using small sliver cannisters while driving, putting all road users at significant risk.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. While these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions.

At 3pm on Wednesday, January 7, a Rotorua driver was stopped after a member of the public observed the driver inhaling from a balloon on Te Ngae Rd.

The vehicle was followed and stopped by police shortly afterwards. The 18-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous driving and was forbidden to drive.

A number of empty canisters were also found dumped in Rotorua last year.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said it’s extremely concerning behaviour.

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks. Photo / NZME

“The effects might be temporary, but there is no margin for error when you’re driving tonnes of metal around.

“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?"

Gillbanks said nitrous oxide, or any drugs or alcohol, have no place in a person’s system if they’re driving.

He said police were investigating several serious crashes – including fatal crashes, on behalf of the coroner – across New Zealand in which huffing nitrous oxide, or “nangs”, was a potential contributor, including in the Bay of Plenty.

In just October last year there was widespread publicity about a number of avoidable deaths as a result of young people driving while significantly impaired by nitrous oxide.

The effects of nitrous oxide include feeling relaxed or giggly, sound distortions, dizziness, anxiety, paranoia, headaches and confusion.

Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide may result in memory loss, vitamin B12 depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage), ringing or buzzing in the ears, incontinence, numbness in the hands or feet, limb spasms, potential birth defects if it is consumed during pregnancy, a weakened immune system, disruption to reproductive systems, depression, psychological dependence and psychosis.

“If you see someone inhaling from balloons or similar items while driving, call 111 immediately.

“You could save a life,” 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.