Driving out drugs
The Think! campaign has been a big presence this Summer at all of the major UK festivals, highlighting the dangers of drug driving to young motorists.
Drug use remains a significant social problem and many people lack awareness of just how dangerous it can be to drive whilst under the influence of illegal substances. In addition to highlighting the obvious risks, the Think! campaign is also ensuring that drivers are aware of the legal position if they are caught driving whilst under the influence of drugs.
The extent of the problem is becoming increasingly quantifiable as transport and research organisations have become more concerned about the issue. A recent survey of clubbers in Scotland showed that as many as 85% had, at some time, driven after using illegal drugs. Two surveys were also conducted by the Transport Research Authority between 1985 and 1987 and between 1996 and 1999. This showed a six-fold increase in the number of accidents involving drivers who had taken illegal substances in the nine years between the surveys. Anecdotal evidence from the Police indicates that the situation has worsened again over the last few years with more and more accidents attributable to people driving after taking substances, often in combination with alcohol.
All illegal drugs, from cannabis to cocaine, can impair co-ordination, visual perception, tracking and vigilance. Studies by the British Medical Association have demonstrated that significant impairment occurs when subjects are tested under simulated driving conditions. People are slower to react and unable to make effective judgements, endangering themselves and other road users. Driving on drugs can be a death sentence and is also against the law.
In law, "drug driving" is considered just as serious an offence as drink driving. Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, states that "a person who, when driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle on the road or a public place is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offence". The law makes no distinction between illegal and prescribed drugs, and does not state any legal limit for drugs as it does for alcohol. If any trace of drugs are found in the system, prosecution will almost always follow.
Detection has traditionally been a problem with drug driving. However, new powers were introduced on roadside testing in September 2003 which amend Section 6 of the Road Traffic Act. The Police now have the power to administer three preliminary tests, including an impairment test to indicate whether a person is unfit to drive due to drugs (the 'field impairment tests') and a separate test for the presence of drugs in a person's body ('drug screening test'). It is now much more likely that drug driving will be detected and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous, illegal and increasingly detectable. It is as risky as drink driving and can lead to a term in prison. For more information on the effects of drugs please see the following websites:
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/drugdriving/drugdriving.htm
