The charity also polled drivers on their views on prescription drugs, and says it’s “just as worrying” that 30 per cent believe that driving on these poses only a minor threat to safety on the road. According to IAM, the figure “highlights a misconception that some prescription drugs have no adverse effects on the ability to drive”.
Also revealed was the finding that almost a third of motorists (30 per cent) believe that people driving after using prescription drugs were only a minor threat or no threat to their personal safety on the roads, compared with 14 per cent for those driving after taking illegal drugs. This highlights a misconception that some prescription drugs have no adverse effects on the ability to drive.
Recent Department for Transport data shows a huge 60-per cent increase in records of drivers with drugs in their system killed on the roads between 2014 and 2021, but this figure coincides with the roll-out of drug-testing technology by UK police forces.
“Whatever the cost of enforcement, the increasing prevalence and perceived acceptability among certain groups should encourage police forces to beef up resources to stamp it out and deter would-be drug-drivers,” says IAM Roadsmart spokesman William Porter. “We call on the Government to also do their part to ensure resources are deployed to prevent re-offending with the introduction of drug-driving rehabilitation courses, as currently mandated with drink-driving.”
The charity is also highlighting a range of other potential consequences for drivers choosing to drive while impaired by illegal or prescription drugs. These can include a minimum one-year disqualification from driving, an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. Convictions can also result in greatly increased insurance premiums, and even potential problems entering countries such as the USA, it warns.
How do you think the police could make the roads safer from people driving under the influence of drugs? Let us know in the comments…