Drug-driving on the rise among young motorists

DRUG-DRIVING among young drivers is on the rise, a shocking study revealed yesterday.

Drug driving is on the increase among young people Drug driving is on the increase among young people

It found that the number of drivers aged 17-24 who admitted getting behind the wheel while high on illegal drugs rose from 5% to 9% in the past 12 months.

And 13% of the same age-group  had driven, or been a passenger, in a car when the driver was under the influence of drugs in the past year, said the RAC’s annual Report on Motoring.

In the same time period there was a 50% increase in the number of 25 to 44-year-olds using their smartphones to access email, Facebook and Twitter while at the wheel.

The result is that   44% of drivers feel less safe on the roads this year then ever before.

Earlier this month the Government announced plans to make drug-driving a specific offence carrying up to six months in jail, a fine of up to £5,000 and an automatic ban of 12 months.

Government cuts have meant an extremely large drop in spending on road safety campaigns

David Bizley, RAC Technical Director

But the RAC says the rise in drug-driving coincides with a massive 87 per cent cut in Government spending on road safety campaigns – from £18.6million in 2009/10 to £2.34million last year.

The RAC called on ministers to reintroduce the life-saving campaigns “as soon as possible”.

David Bizley, RAC Technical Director, said: “Government cuts have meant an extremely large drop in spending on road safety campaigns in the past two years, but the 2012 Report highlights the damaging effect this is having.

“The growth of the new breed of motoring offences, like drug-driving and social networking behind the wheel, is highly concerning. RAC urges Government to reintroduce high profile campaigns on these issues as soon as possible.

“These offences don’t yet have the same social taboo that drink-driving now holds, which thanks to years of concerted campaigns has continued to decrease as a problem. 

“We welcome recent announcements that Government will tighten enforcement around drug-driving, but the planned changes focus too much on penalties rather than prevention.

“Government funding should be directed to educating people through road safety campaigns to deter them from driving dangerously and putting lives at risk.”

The study is based on a survey of  1,002 motorists, and found overwhelming support for a crackdown on dangerous driving.

It showed that   61% believed  there are not enough police on the roads, with 23% reckoning they are unlikely to get caught if they break motoring laws.

Nearly all (95%) wanted to see some kind of driving ban for those who drink-drive or drug-drive, with around 55% approving of life bans for such offenders.

In addition, 42% wanted to see some kind of ban for illegal mobile phone use behind the wheel.

The cost of motoring was the number once concern for drivers, while levels of concern about mobile phone use and other motoring offences has increased since last year.

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