The number of drivers driving under the influence has reached an all-time high as crime puts increasing pressure on emergency services and the courts, figures show.
Road safety organizations warn against unsafe behavior that puts drivers, their passengers and the public at risk of serious injury.
They are calling on ministers to look at offenders who may be driving erratically or their ability to react is slowed by the drugs.
According to the Department of Transportation, nearly 2,500 people were injured in drug-related crashes in 2021, more than 260 percent more than in 2012.
Meanwhile, the number of convictions is increasing year after year, reaching 12,500 in 2019, the statistics of the criminal justice system show.
Charli Charalambous, who was caught eight times the drink-drive limit after taking cocaine the night before, was this month fined £120 and banned from driving for 12 months.
Road safety organizations warn of unsafe behavior that puts drivers, their passengers and the public at risk of serious injury
Almost half of these crimes (44 percent) are committed by repeat offenders, with many cases occurring within a year.
IAM RoadSmart, the road safety group which analyzed the figures, described the scale of the problem as an “epidemic”.
But it fears there is no sign of an end to the problem as a new survey of 2,028 motorists found that one in 10 had driven or been a passenger in a vehicle under the influence of illegal drugs which is driven by an intoxicated driver.
Additionally, 6 percent said they would have no problem driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, and 14 percent would not stop a family member or friend from driving under the influence.
It comes amid reports that some police officers are taking drug suspects to emergency rooms in need to take blood samples to track down law enforcement.
IAM RoadSmart said that “inefficient testing protocols” meant that blood samples had to be taken by a healthcare provider, even as the NHS was under record pressure.
The most recent annual Safety Culture Report found that drivers view drink and drug driving as one of the biggest risks to their personal safety, ahead of other problems such as speeding in residential areas, aggressive driving or not wearing seat belts.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “With cases and attitudes soaring, the picture of drug use in the UK is bleak.
“IAM RoadSmart has already proposed a smart package of solutions to address this issue, including: development of a dedicated drug driving course, prescription reform and for the government to finally announce the outcome of its own consultation on the release of driving licenses while under the influence. of drugs.
“If action is taken on this, we can finally see progress on this critical road safety issue before more lives are tragically lost.”
Founded in March 1956, IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety organisation.
She has the vision of a society in which all road users can use public roads together safely and sustainably.
This is done in a variety of ways, including advanced driving and driving tests.
There have been changes to drug offenses in recent years, such as the introduction of strict legal limits in 2015, new penalties and the road test, all of which have led to more drivers being caught.
IAM RoadSmart said the current punishment and rehabilitation system is not working and wants reform.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
