Drug driving problem among young drivers
The survey conducted by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart found almost a third (32%) of young drivers (up to the age of 24) believe it’s more common to drive under the influence of illegal drugs than drink driving.
More positively, more than two-thirds (69%), of some 2,000-plus young drivers surveyed, would likely stop others under the influence from driving.
However, almost a fifth (19%) said that they were unlikely to stop a family member or friend who was planning to drive while under the influence of illegal drugs.
Data published by the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed 2,500 casualties were in relation to drug-driving in 2021, a 260% increase since 2012.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Justice statistics show that convictions for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs overall has increased from 41,457 in 2014 to 58,117 in 2022 – a rise of 40% even at a time of declining full-time dedicated roads police officers.
IAM RoadSmart’s most recent annual Safety Culture Report showed that motorists of all ages consider drink and drug drivers as one of the biggest risks to their personal safety.
Related news, events and information
The Vital Role of Drink - Drive Enforcement
20 January 2012 – In December across Europe police conducted in excess of one million breath tests of which 13,388 were positive....
Scotland's new lower drink drive limit
22 December 2014 – Scotland's new lower drink drive limit is now 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. This came...
Drug Driving Map of Britain
24 January 2017 – A new Drug Driving Map of Britain has been created, highlighting the areas that are most affected by drug...
Scotland announces ‘zero tolerance’ approach to drug-driving
21 January 2019 – The Scottish government is to further strengthen its stringent road safety laws by introducing drug-driving...
IAM warns of host of driving law changes
10 July 2015 – Story from the IAM. New regulations that have changed driving licences, drug-drive limits and speed limits...
New report from the European Road Safety Observatory: focus on drink driving
16 October 2023 – Drivers who have been drinking are 15 times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than sober drivers....
Technology and social media bigger perceived threats than drink-driving, IAM finds
9 November 2015 – Story from the IAM. Motorists are now more worried about the dangers of distraction posed by technology and...
Annual RAC Report on Motoring highlights generational divide among motorists
21 July 2009 – One in four young drivers has been in a car when they believed the driver was under the influence of drugs -...
New drug driving law comes into force
28 February 2015 – A new law to make it easier for police to catch and convict drug drivers has taken effect in England and...