Drug-driving hits an all-time high as injuries soar 260% in a decade: Road safety charities warn 'epidemic' is piling pressure on A&Es and courts
- Road safety charities are calling on ministers to clamp down on offenders
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The number of motorists drug-driving has hit a record high with the offence piling pressure on A&Es and the courts, figures suggest.
Road safety charities warn the dangerous behaviour is putting the drivers, their passengers and members of the public at serious risk of harm.
They are calling on ministers to clamp down on offenders, who may drive erratically or see their reaction times slowed as a result of the narcotics.
Almost 2,500 people were injured in accidents linked to drug-driving in 2021, which is up more than 260 per cent since 2012, according to the Department for Transport.
Meanwhile, the number of convictions are increasing year on year to 12,500 in 2019, Criminal Justice System Statistics show.
Charli Charalambous, who was caught behind the wheel when she was eight times the drug driving limit following a cocaine binge the night before, was this month handed a £120 fine and banned from the roads for 12 months
Road safety charities warn the dangerous behaviour is putting the drivers, their passengers and members of the public at serious risk of harm
Nearly half of these crimes (44 per cent) are perpetrated by repeat offenders, with many cases occurring within one year.
IAM RoadSmart, the road safety group which analysed the figures, described the scale of the problem as an 'epidemic'.
But it fears there is no sign of the issue letting up, as its new survey of 2,028 motorists found one in ten has driven under the influence of illegal drugs or been a passenger in a vehicle driven by a drugged-up driver.
Furthermore, 6 per cent said they would be comfortable driving while under the influence of illegal drugs and 14 per cent would not stop a family member or friend who was planning to drive while under the influence of drugs.
It comes amid reports that some police officers are resorting to taking drug-driving suspects to hard-pressed A&E departments to take blood samples in the push for prosecutions.
IAM RoadSmart said 'inefficient testing protocols' mean blood samples have to be taken by a healthcare practitioner despite the NHS coming under record pressure.
Its most recent annual Safety Culture Report showed that motorists consider drink and drug-drivers as one of the biggest risks to their personal safety – more than other issues such as speeding on residential streets, people driving aggressively or not wearing a seat belt.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: 'With cases surging and attitudes as they are, Britain's drug-drive picture is a bleak one.
'IAM RoadSmart has already proposed a smart package of solutions to help address this issue, including: developing a dedicated drug-drive course, prescription reform and for the government to finally release the outcome of its own drug-driving consultation.
'If these are actioned, we might finally see progress made on this critical road safety issue before more lives are tragically lost.'
IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and is the UK's largest road safety charity.
It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together.
It does this through a range of means including through advanced driving and riding tests.
In recent years there have been changes to drug-diving offences, such as strict legal limits being introduced in 2015, new penalties and the roadside swab test, which have all led to more drivers being caught.
IAM RoadSmart said the current punishment and rehabilitation system is not working and wants reforms.
A DfT spokesperson said: 'Road safety is a priority for the Government and we are determined to tackle this behaviour.
'Along with our highly-respected and effective “THINK!” campaigns, we have tough penalties and rigorous enforcement in place, reminding people of the serious consequences driving under the influence of drugs can have on themselves and others.'
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