Shock rise in drug driving

New figures from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and a survey by IAM Roadsmart reveal some shocking statistics and attitudes towards drug driving. While drink-driving figures remain as expected, it is drug driving that appears to be coming more acceptable by both drivers and their passengers.

Almost 9,000 drivers were caught drink- or drug-driving in the Operation Limit campaign across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The data reveals that the number of roadside drug wipes increased on previous years (6,273 in 2022 compared with 4,668 in 2021) – and a total 53.6% (3,361) of those drivers tested positive. A total of 52,667 roadside breath tests were undertaken with 10.2% (5,352) testing positive, failing the test or refusing to undertake the test.

More than three-quarters (79%) of offenders who tested positive for drink or drugs were male and 77% were 25 years old and over.

Jo Shiner, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said:

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is entirely unacceptable. It is one of the fatal five causes of road collisions that results in thousands of deaths each and every year. Every time someone makes the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, they take their own life into their hands and risk the lives of many others. As police officers we see the pain and devastation experienced by individuals, families and communities who must deal with the awful consequences of those taking these selfish actions and we see it far too often.

Advertisement