RoSPA welcomes myth-busting drug-driving campaign

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has welcomed today’s (August 17) launch of Britain’s first national campaign on drug driving.

Having long-advocated greater education of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs, the safety charity is delighted to back the THINK! Drug Drive campaign.

While the number of drink-drive accidents has reduced in recent years, drug driving is a growing problem, despite surveys showing it is also considered socially-unacceptable.

Research suggests that this is partly because of perceptions that it is more difficult to get caught and prosecuted for drug driving than drink driving, a myth tackled head-on in the multi-media campaign.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: “Drug driving is just as serious as drink driving, and is becoming an increasing challenge.

“This campaign is exactly what is needed – there is a lack of awareness and a number of myths about drug driving and the legal process and penalties surrounding it.

“We know of at least 71 road deaths in 2007 in which impairment due to drugs (illicit or medicinal) was a contributory factor in the accident. But we believe the real number of people affected by drug-drive incidents is probably much higher.

“Those willing to endanger themselves and others by getting behind the wheel after taking drugs need to know that it is simply not true that they will evade detection or prosecution. The police can, and do, conduct roadside tests to help them assess whether a driver is impaired.

“We hope this sorely-needed campaign will give drug users, as well as the general public, pause for thought so that they consider their actions before needlessly putting other people’s lives at risk. Passengers should also think carefully before getting into a car if they suspect its driver has taken drugs.”

The safety charity supports proposals for the development of drug-drive legislation and roadside enforcement.