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What can be done to combat drug driving?

13 Feb 2012

Car insurance policyholders have been told that the issue of tackling drug driving should be "a top priority".

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, gave this opinion following on from research by the British Medical Journal which revealed that drivers who get behind the wheel of a vehicle within three hours of smoking cannabis are twice as likely to be involved in a serious crash.

As a result of these findings, Brake is calling for a zero tolerance approach to be taken regarding driving while under the influence of any illegal drug.

The organisation is also pleading that the government approves roadside drug screening devices, in a similar strategy to alcohol breathalysers.

Ms Townsend commented: "Brake supports bereaved and seriously injured victims of road crashes and knows too well the horrifying devastation caused by drug drivers."

Last month, the Association of Chief Police Officers revealed that more than 7,100 motorists were arrested over the festive period as a result of drink and drug driving.

Posted by Judith Stevenson