UK drug-driving in the spotlight

A panel of scientists and academics is being established by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to advise on the possible implementation of rules covering drug-driving, along the lines of existing drink-driving laws. MDMA, cocaine, opiates and cannabis are seen by the DfT as the primary drugs for consideration. The experts will examine whether such a law should be introduced, with elements such as possible legal limits to be looked into. If it is decided the move is technically feasible, with regard to pu
March 23, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A panel of scientists and academics is being established by the UK 1837 Department for Transport (DfT) to advise on the possible implementation of rules covering drug-driving, along the lines of existing drink-driving laws. MDMA, cocaine, opiates and cannabis are seen by the DfT as the primary drugs for consideration. The experts will examine whether such a law should be introduced, with elements such as possible legal limits to be looked into. If it is decided the move is technically feasible, with regard to putting in place a universal level regarding medicinal or illegal drugs, alongside roadside testing, legislation may be brought in.

Meanwhile, UK road safety charity 4235 Brake and 4236 Direct Line Car Insurance are calling for the government to push through proposals on tackling drug driving, as a survey reveals one in nine young drivers (11 per cent) has driven on illegal drugs in the past year.

The survey by Brake and Direct Line found that three per cent of young drivers (age 17-24) said they get behind the wheel after taking drugs once a month or more. Slightly more young drivers are admitting drug driving than four years ago, when one in 11 young drivers (nine per cent) owned up to this behaviour.

Brake is calling for long-needed reform, including a new law making it an offence to drive while on illegal drugs, to rectify an existing loophole. Currently it is only an offence to drive while impaired by drugs, meaning police must prove impairment to prosecute. Brake is also calling for approval and roll-out of roadside drug screening devices, so police can test for drugs at the roadside and immediately following a crash.

Brake has produced a fact page on drug driving which is available at this link: %$Linker: External 0 0 0 oLinkExternal www.brake.org.uk/facts/drug-driving-an-overview.htm Fact Page on Drug Driving false http://www.brake.org.uk/facts/drug-driving-an-overview.htm false false%>

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