Drug-driving arrests hit shocking record high
The number of drivers being caught under the influence of drugs has hit a record high, worrying new figures reveal.
A staggering 37 motorists fail tests for banned substances every single day in the UK, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
A recent police crackdown on the epidemic found that collisions involving drug-drivers were up 50% compared to last year.
The RAC calls the figures “shocking” and has reiterated its call for a greater police presence on the roads to tackle dangerous driving.
During the month-long police campaign, the 38 forces involved stopped a total of 1,962 motorists who were seen to be driving erratically or involved in an accident.
Of those stopped, 1,108 (57%) tested positive for banned substances — representing a 4% year-on-year increase compared to a similar operation in 2017.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “These figures are shocking, particularly as there are so many fewer drug tests being carried out than breath tests for alcohol.
“Motorists tell us that they want to see more police on the roads, because other than tackling speed through cameras, there are lots of offences that seem to go unchallenged because there are less traffic police.
“And when there are less police cars on the road, people feel they can get away with it.”
- Drink-drivers to be taught dangers of drug-driving
- Five motoring facts you won't believe
- Five amazing videos caught on dash cam
According to DfT figures, around 320 people are either killed or seriously injured on the UK’s roads every year in collisions involving motorists driving under the influence of drugs.
It’s illegal to drive if you’re either unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs, or if you have certain levels of illegal drugs in your system.
Penalties for anyone caught drug-driving are severe. Offenders face a minimum one-year driving ban, unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.
Any drug-driving offence will stay on your licence for 11 years, while if you cause death by dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs, you face a 14-year prison term.
Copyright Press Association 2018. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
You might also like
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
19 driving myths uncovered
Is it illegal to drive with headphones on? Are you allowed to drive 10 percent over the speed limit? Is it illegal to drink, smoke or eat while driving?
Drink-drive limits: everything you need to know
Do you know what the drink-drive limit is in the UK? If not ,you may be risking your life, the lives of your passengers. Find out drink-drive limits here
Drug-driving laws: what you need to know
Make sure that you stay on the right side of the law and avoid any penalty charges or worse by knowing the driving limits for both legal and illegal drugs.
Driving without shoes - is it illegal?
There’s a great level of uncertainty surrounding whether or not it’s illegal to drive a vehicle barefoot in the UK. Learn more with RAC Drive today.
Speeding fines: how much you have to pay?
Find out how much your speeding fines will cost, how many penalty points you might get, and whether or not you'll get a driving ban, using our helpful guide.
Popular in News
1
Car buyers to save thousands as EV grant returns
2
Private parking companies issue a record 14.4m tickets to drivers in a single year
3
Drivers fined £1m from just 36 yellow box junctions in 2024
4
Road deaths on the rise in Great Britain
5
Private parking industry urged to publish ‘full and transparent’ complaints and appeals data
6
Drivers now able to search for new home that comes with EV chargers
7
Leicester’s Sean Kimberlin named as RAC Mobile Mechanic of the Year
8
Number of drivers caught using unroadworthy vehicles jumps by 52% in a year
9
Warning to drivers across the UK over fake parking apps
10