Road Safety - Drugs and Driving

Drugs and Driving

Cannabis

Cannabis is a relaxant and can affect your ability to drive safely. It causes:

Slower reaction times and sleepiness.
Distorted perception, reduced concentration and forgetfulness.
Impaired coordination and blurred vision.

The most intense effects last at least 2 - 4 hours.

Combining cannabis with even a small amount of alcohol will magnify the effects.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant of the mind and affects your ability to drive safely. It causes:

Over confidence leading to increased risk taking.
Distorted perception.
Erratic behaviour and paranoia.
Enlarged pupils.
Auditory hallucinations.

Cocaine may make you feel very alert for about an hour. During this time you may react inappropriately. As the effect wears off the danger of falling asleep at the wheel is high.

Combining cocaine with alcohol or other drugs can produce unexpected and dangerous effects.

Get caught drug driving and you face:

A minimum 12 month driving ban.
A criminal record.
A fine of up to £5,000.
Up to 6 months in prison.

Causing death by carelss driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum 14 year prison sentence, a minimum 2 year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test.

Useful Links

Drugs and their effects

How do you rate this information / service?

Welcome to Warwickshire County Council

Search Site