Over A Million People Admit To Driving Whilst Under The Influence Of Drugs
Published: 10 June 2011
By Peter Thompson Leave a Comment
Updated: 10 June 2011
In excess of 1.2 million admit to driving whilst under the influence of illegal drugs and thousands admit to having been involved in an accident whilst ‘high’ or stoned.
According to research by Direct Line Car Insurance, over 2.8 million drivers admit to having operated a vehicle under the influence of banned substances in their lifetime, presenting a huge danger to other motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
Worryingly almost 10% admitted to driving whilst under the influence as they didn’t think they would get caught.
Some thought excuses such as ‘couldn’t find a taxi’ or that ‘there was no available public transport’ were acceptable.
Drugs that motorists have been under influence of whilst driving
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy tablet
- MDMA
- Temazepam / valium / diazepam
- Ketamine
- Magic mushrooms
- Legal highs (e.g salvia)
- Speed
- MCat / Meow Meow
Andy Goldby, Direct of Motor Underwriting at Direct Line Car Insurance, said: “Drug driving is as irresponsible as drink driving” and added “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.”
One in twenty drug-drivers has been involved in a car accident, many with other vehicles but for some the accident involved hitting a wall.
As Andy Goldby continued: “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.”
