Driving under the influence of drugs can have devastating consequences and is not a risk worth taking is the message being issued by Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit to motorists on the first anniversary of the new drug-driving law.
On March 2 last year, the Government approved prescribed limits for a number of legal and illegal drugs for which motorists can be tested against. They made it a criminal offence to drive if with certain controlled drugs above a specific limit in your blood.
Since last February, officers have also had a new weapon at their disposal to crackdown on drug drivers.
The roadside drug wipe testing kit takes a swab from the motorist and can detect cocaine or cannabis use within 10 minutes.
The anniversary coincides with THINK!’s anti drug-driving campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
Officers are now reminding drivers of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of drugs and the impact and consequences of such actions.
Sergeant Phil Badman said: “The consequences of drug-driving can be lethal.
“Substances – both legal and illegal – can seriously impair your ability to drive, which could cause a serious or even a fatal collision.
“But there’s also a knock-on effect – a conviction is likely to increase the cost of your car insurance, you could lose your job and you could have difficulty travelling to other countries.
“Above all, drug-driving is not a risk worth taking.
“We have a duty and a commitment to keep the roads safe, and as such we take a zero tolerance approach to drug-driving.
“Anyone caught committing the offence will be dealt with accordingly.”
Between March 2, 2015 and February 18, 2016, officers made a total of 127 arrests relating to the new legislation in Surrey.
In Hampshire, officers made 122 arrests for drug-related driving offences.
With roadside tests being used more and more, those under the influence of certain substances are more likely to get caught on the spot.
Sergeant Rob Heard, of Hampshire Police, said: “It is illegal to drive if your driving is impaired by legal or illegal drugs. You don’t have to be on illegal drugs to be unfit to drive - many prescription or over-the-counter medicines can also impair your ability to drive.
“If you’re taking medicines, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional before driving.”
Any individual convicted of drug-driving faces a minimum 12-month disqualification, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.
In addition, information about a drug-driving conviction will remain on your licence for 11 years.
The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is up to 14 years in prison.
Cannabis users often think they are safer when they are under the influence because they drive more slowly. But cannabis slows reaction and decision times.
It can also distort perception of time and distance, and result in poorer concentration and vehicle control.
Cocaine leads to a sense of over-confidence and is reflected in users’ driving style. Users typically perform higher risk, more aggressive manoeuvres at greater speeds.
Ecstasy (MDMA) is extremely dangerous to drive on because it results in distorted vision, heightened perception of sounds, altered perception and judgement of risks and an over-confident driving attitude.
During the phase while the effects of any illegal drugs are wearing off, the user may feel fatigued, affecting concentration levels.
To find out more about the law, including the limits for each substance, go to www. gov.uk/drug-driving-law
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