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The problem of drug-driving is growing fast.
The simple fact is that many drugs will affect a driver's
ability to drive safely. And not just illegal drugs; some
prescribed drugs can affect driving.
So far only small-scale surveys have been done. But these
suggest that:
- 18% of driver/rider fatalities had some form of illegal drug in
their system
- 6% of driver/rider fatalities had some form of prescribed drug
in their system
This means that 24% of fatal crashes could involve drug-driving.
Compared to 16% for drink-driving.
Testing for drug-drivers
The Police can now use Field Impairment Tests (FIT) if they
think that a driver's ability is affected by a drug. The evidence
they gain from FIT could be enough for a driver to be arrested.
FIT involves a range of specifically devised tests to 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.
Using FIT allows 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.
Currently, the Police have no quick or reliable roadside test
for the presence of drugs. Unlike the breathalyser test for
alcohol, drug tests need a laboratory and can take days. Plus there
isn't an agreed 'limit' for drug-driving, unlike the alcohol limit
for driving.
Prescribed drugs
Any illegal drug will affect an individual's state of mind. It
will reduce their ability to concentrate, make their reactions
slower, and make them take risks they would not normally take. Just
like alcohol.
But 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, for example. And 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 concentration.
Always read the label and discuss the possible affects on
driving with the prescribing doctor.
What does Kent County Council do to tackle this problem?
Kent County Council's Road Safety Officers discuss these issues
on the young driver courses that we provide in secondary schools.
We also promote and support national
campaigns. |