A change in the law last year makes it easier for police to convict drug drivers; the introduction of new drugs testing strips that mean officers can test for cocaine and cannabis at the roadside. A National THINK! ‘Drug Drive Campaign’ has launched, a year after the change in legislation.
In the last Christmas Drink and Drug driving campaign alone, 21 of the 78 arrests that Gloucestershire Police made for instance were the result of failed drug testing swabs. Nationally, The Department for Transport estimates that drug impaired driving casualties resulted in 141 deaths and 651 serious injuries in 2014.
The authorities point to statistics that men aged 17 to 34 are disproportionately represented in drug drive accidents and cannabis is the most common drug detected in such incidents. In Gloucestershire, Tri-force Roads Policing Chief Inspector Yan Georgiou said: “Driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and totally irresponsible, that’s why the Road Safety Partnership is tackling the drug drive problem. The numbers are shocking and we know there is a lot of ignorance around the issue, particularly with young people.
“People need to know that is illegal to drive with certain drugs above specified blood levels in the body. The levels for eight drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, are set low so you are taking a significant risk if you take any quantity of these drugs and drive. A drug drive conviction will have a serious effect on your life including a criminal record, a minimum 12 month driving ban and an unlimited fine and could also cost you your job.
“That’s why throughout the campaign the Road Safety Partnership will be looking to inform and educate people and make sure they know the law. Our roads policing officers are also aware of the campaign and people should be aware that where a road offence is spotted, or suspicious activity noted, drug wipe tests will be carried out, along with breathalyser tests.”
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: “A great deal of work has gone into making drink driving socially unacceptable. Road users need to understand driving under the influence of drugs is equally unsafe and intolerable. There are a number of dangerous misconceptions around drug use but I really want to raise awareness that people who get behind a wheel under the influence are not only putting their own lives at risk but others too.”
Some medicines are also included in the new legislation; if you are taking medicines as directed and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law. It will remain an offence to drive while your ability is impaired by drugs and, if in doubt, you should not drive.
For more about the drug drive law visit gov.uk/drug-driving-law.
How drugs impair driving
Driving under the influence of drugs is the authorities say dangerous and can affect driving skills in a number of ways. Cannabis users often think they are safer when they are under the influence because they drive more slowly. However, cannabis slows reaction and decision times. It can also distort perception of time and distance, and result in poorer concentration and control of the vehicle.
Cocaine leads to a sense of over-confidence and this is reflected in user’s driving style. Users typically perform higher risk, more aggressive manoeuvres at greater speeds. Ecstasy (MDMA) is extremely dangerous to drive on because it results in distorted vision, heightened perception of sounds, altered perception and judgment of risks and an over-confident driving attitude. While the effects of any illegal drugs are wearing off, the user may feel fatigued, affecting concentration.
