Drug driving

The problem of drug-driving - where drivers are prepared to travel under the influence of either illicit drugs or prescribed medications - is growing fast.

Many drugs will affect a driver's ability to drive safely. This is not just illegal drugs, but some prescribed drugs can affect driving.

So far, only small-scale surveys have been carried out, but these suggest that:

• 18% of driver or rider fatalities had some form of illegal drug in their system
• 6% of driver or rider fatalities had some form of prescribed drug in their system.

This means that 24% of fatal crashes could involve drug-driving, compared to around 16% for drink driving.

Testing for drug drivers

Many drug impaired drivers believe they are immune from detection by the Police. They think there isn't a roadside test, like the breathalyser, for drink driving, but there is.

Kent Police now use field impairment tests if they think a driver's ability is affected by a drug. The evidence they gain from the field impairment tests could be enough for a driver to be arrested.

A range of specifically devised tests check co-ordination, balance and understanding. Most tests ask the driver to perform simple tasks, like standing on one leg and walking a straight line. There are also tests that check the dilation of pupils in the eye to help identify any potential impairment.

The tests allow a police officer to accurately see what type of drug, if any, has been taken. The results could mean the driver is arrested and taken to a police station. A blood test would then be made to confirm what type of drug is in the driver's system.

Prescribed drugs

Any illegal drug will affect an individual's state of mind. It will reduce their ability to concentrate, generally make their reactions slower and make them take risks they would not normally take, just like alcohol.

Drivers also need to be aware that legally prescribed medications can affect driving ability, even cough medicines and cold and flu remedies.

Some medication causes drowsiness. You may feel fine before you start driving, but once in a stuffy, warm car, you could very easily feel tired and begin to lose your concentration.

Always read the label, and discuss the possible effects on driving with your doctor or GP.

What do we do to tackle this problem?

We discuss these issues on the young driver courses that we provide in secondary schools. We also promote and support local and national campaigns, like Talk to Frank.