Drug driving deaths jump 50% in a year – AA Charitable Trust
There has been a 50% jump in drug driving deaths, according to research carried out by The AA Charitable Trust.
Between 2022 and 2023 drivers killed under the influence of drugs increased from 96 to 144 – the highest for five years.
It is an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood, with the impact of driving above the limit including impaired ability to judge speed and distance, slower reactions and decreased coordination skills, blurry or impaired vision, drowsiness, aggression, erratic behaviour, paranoia, nausea, and tremors.
Edmund King, director of The AA Trust, said: “Traditionally our safety message to drivers has always been: if you are going to drive, don’t drink and if you are going to drink, don’t drive. But now it is essential to update that messaging to include drugs. A startling 50% increase in drivers killed under the influence of drugs is extremely worrying. We don’t want drivers to be in any doubt – drink, drugs and driving do not mix.
“The police now have effective ways to test drivers for the presence of drugs at the roadside, but these figures show that too many drivers are dicing with drugs and death. Police now commonly use drug wipes known as ‘drugalysers’ at the roadside to check for cannabis and cocaine. The testing kit uses a mouth swab to check for the presence of drugs and a blue line appears if the person has taken them.
“We need drivers and their passengers to be well aware that drugs and driving don’t mix and when it comes to drugs or drink when driving, the best advice is none for the road.”
