Drivers should take on board what is being said and consider the potentially devastating affects caused by drug-driving.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs
A dramatic campaign warning people about the risks and consequences of drug driving is being launched in Warwickshire this week.
The campaign follows statistics that show a frightening number of drivers are getting behind the wheel under the influence of illegal drugs. A recent survey by Co-Operative Insurance revealed that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of drivers aged between 17 and 25 admit to having driven under the influence of illegal drugs1.
Research also shows that drug drivers don’t think drugs will affect their ability to drive, with some even believing that they can drive better having taken certain drugs. A recent study by West Midlands road safety partnerships showed that almost 1 in 10 drivers aged 17-34 agreed that smoking cannabis doesn’t affect the way people drive and 1 in 20 agree a line of cocaine doesn’t affect the way people drive.2 There is also a lack of awareness of the penalties for drug driving.
With these alarming facts in mind Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety Team is working with the Highways Agency, Warwickshire Police and the Warwickshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team to highlight the dangers and consequences of drug driving.
A prison sentence of up to six months, a five thousand pound fine, the loss of your licence and even in some cases, losing your life or taking someone else’s, are just some of those consequences.
Images on billboards, posters and beer mats will be appearing across the county to highlight this from 8 February, along with adverts on radio.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “It is alarming to hear of the number of young people who are taking drugs before driving. They are not only putting their own lives at risk but also those of other road users and pedestrians.
“Drivers should take on board what is being said and consider the potentially devastating affects caused by drug-driving.”
Chief Inspector Chris Lewis from Warwickshire Police added: “There appears to be a lack of awareness of the penalties or dangers associated with drug driving. Drugs can result in slower reaction times, poor concentration, fatigue, confused thinking, distorted perception, and over confidence.
“Drugs impair your ability to drive safely and it is for that reason that we treat drug driving as a very serious offence. Drug driving is illegal and carries the same penalties as drink driving.”
Kit Leck, Manager of Warwickshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), said: “We would urge anyone worried about alcohol and drug use to talk to their local substance misuse service – details of which can be found on our website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/drugs.”