Anti Drug Driving Campaign Launches

TV advertisements targetting potential drug drivers are being launched in England and Wales in a multi million pound government campaign. The theme of the campaign is to warn drivers that the police are trained and experienced in spotting the signs of drug driving and that the penalties are very stiff.

One in ten younger male drivers have admitted to drug driving according to the Department of Transport and many think that the crime is undectable and not as serious as drink driving.

Brake, the road safety charity, think that the introduction of devices which are as effective as detecting alcohol are the most important step forward. Currently police have to use roadside tests to examine a drivers coordination and sense of time which tends to be strongly effected under the influence of drugs. Suspected drug drivers are then required to give a blood sample at the police station. German police currently have a saliva wipe which they can use to detect some drugs.

The effect of drugs on driving ability varies with some drugs, such as cociane, more likely to make drivers take greater risks such as excessive speeding while drugs like cannabis can distort perceptions.

It is hoped that the campaign will further raise the profile of drug driving and make it more of a taboo activity, particularly amongst younger drivers. Many believe that a shift in attitudes is required to make it less acceptable to drive under the influence of drugs.