DRUGS DRIVING IN THE UK

Growing number of drivers involved in road accidents have illegal drugs in their system according to figures from the RAC Foundation.

Drugs driving is a feature in many fatal accidents. Victims showed evidence of cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or prescription drugs in their blood.



Durham Police in North East England took blood screenings from 23 people killed in road accidents over the course of a year which revealed that 50% of drivers had traces of either cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or a prescription drug.

Government figures show that drugs driving was a feature in 18% of drivers killed in accidents between 1996 and 2000. These had traces of illegal drugs in their system. Between 1985 and 1988 the figure was just 3%.

A recent survey (June 2006) by the Insurance Company 'More Than' found:

• 21% of drivers have driven after taking drugs
• One-fifth say its safe to drug drive
• UK stats one of the worst in Europe

ONE IN 5 DRIVERS ADMIT TO DRUGS DRIVING

One in five UK motorists has driven shortly after taking illegal drugs.

Of the 1072 motorists that responded to the survey, 21% admitted to taking to the wheel after taking drugs.

The More Than survey also found that while 94% of respondents said they wouldn't drive after having a drink, four out of 10 said they still felt safe to do so after taking drugs.

The insurance company 'More Than' says the UK has one of the worst records for drug-driving in the Europe and is urging the Government to press ahead with the introduction of new 'drugalyser' roadside detection equipment as soon as possible.

Quality Assurance
More

NEW
The DrugTest500
More