In the past 12 months, over 1.2 million people admit to having driven while under the influence of illegal drugs according to research from Direct Line Car Insurance. Over 7% of these, or 2.8 million admito have done so in their lifetime, representing a huge danger for other motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
The survey also highlighted drug-drivers have a distorted perception of their driving ability, even when they haven’t taken drugs. Over a third (36 per cent) of those who drive whilst under the influence of narcotics rated their driving ability as very safe or quite safe, with just 20 per cent admitting they were a danger on the road.
Almost one-in-ten (eight per cent) admitted they drove while under the influence of drugs, as they didn’t think they would get caught. Other excuses include; drugs impairing their decision-making process (seven per cent), inability to find or afford a taxi (six per cent) and a lack of available public transport (four per cent).
Drivers under the influence of drugs are literally ‘speeding,’ with one-in-twenty (six per cent) exceeding the speed limit. A further six per cent were involved in accidents with other vehicles or incidents such as crashing into walls, while the driver was ‘smashed’ on drugs.
Andy Goldby, Direct of Motor Underwriting at Direct Line Car Insurance, said: “Drug driving is as irresponsible as drink driving. The dangers of drug drivers on our roads are becoming increasingly apparent, with thousands admitting they have been involved in an accident while ‘high’ or stoned. The effects of drugs can often leave people feeling overly confident or extremely relaxed, both of which are known to lead to dangerous driving behaviours. We strongly support the Department for Transport’s (DfT) decision to clamp down on drug driving and would welcome further investment in effective roadside drug tests to screen drivers the police suspect are under the influence of illegal or strong prescription drugs.”
In the last 12 months, over a third of drug drivers (35 per cent) admitted to being under the influence of cannabis/skunk, which can significantly impair perceptions of distance and reaction times. More than one in six (15 per cent) admitted to driving after snorting cocaine, which can make drivers overly aggressive on the road, race at high speeds and lack control**. One in ten admitted to being high on ecstasy pills while driving, while a further 11 per cent admitted having taken MDMA (the purest form of Ecstasy).
Drugs that motorists have been under influence of whilst driving
- Cannabis (35 per cent)
- Cocaine (15 per cent)
- Ecstasy tablet (11 per cent)
- MDMA (11 per cent)
- Temazepam / valium / diazepam (9 per cent)
- Ketamine (7 per cent)
- Magic mushrooms (7 per cent)
- Legal highs (e.g salvia) (7 per cent)
- Speed (7 per cent)
- MCat / Meow Meow (4 per cent)
Andy Goldby commented: “Driving under the influence of narcotics is extremely dangerous, as it can severely impair the ability of a driver to physically operate a vehicle as well as their perception of the environment beyond the windscreen. The influence of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), in the blood can negatively impair drivers’ attentiveness, perception of time and speed.”
Source : Direct Line
