Never, Ever Drive On Drugs
Drug driving is a growing problem, some drivers are under the misapprehension that it’s ok to take drugs and drive.
Different drugs affect driving differently and people can also react to drugs differently. The type of drug, the dosage, the length of time in your body
all impact how much your driving is affected. Both illegal drugs and medicinal drugs, prescribed by a doctor, can impair your ability to drive.
Your attentiveness, perception of time and speed, as well as coordination and judgement can all be affected when using drugs. When driving you can
experience a range of effects, from:
- an inability to notice hazards
- lower reaction times
- erratic, aggressive and risk-taking behaviours
- an inability to concentrate properly on driving tasks
You may also suffer:
- nausea
- hallucinations
- confusion
- panic attacks
- paranoia
- tremors
- dizziness
- fatigue
Prescription and over the counter drugs
Prescription or over the counter medicines should always be taken in line with the prescribing doctor’s instructions and/or the dispensing chemist’s advice.
Information is provided on the container or with medication; particularly road users should look for warning messages about driving or operating machinery
and follow the recommended dosages. If taking medication or drugs and you are not sure, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional
before driving.
If you are suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs
If the police suspect you’ve taken drugs (illegal or medicinal) they will ask you to take a ‘Field Impairment Test’ at the roadside. This is a series of tests,
such as asking you to walk in a straight line and checking your eyes. The police may also ask you to undertake, at the roadside, a drug test using a device which
can indicate the presence of cannabis and cocaine in saliva. If they think you’re unfit to drive through taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will be required
to provide blood at a police station for testing. If the resultant blood test shows you’ve taken drugs you could be charged with a motoring offence.
Penalties for drug driving
The penalty depends on the circumstances and established facts of the case which will all be taken into account by the District Judge who hears the case,
in reaching his/her decision.
A conviction for drug driving could result in:
- a minimum one-year driving ban
- a fine of up to £5,000
- possible imprisonment
- a criminal record
- Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted of drug driving. This will stay on your licence for 11 years.
No matter what drug you take, your resulting unfit driving condition will always have consequences.
No matter what you might think.
There’s no place for drugs behind the wheel.
When stopped and tested, you may lose your license, and much more when prosecuted.
Never, ever drive on drugs
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