Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat! Stay safe during the festivities.
Drugs mess with your reaction time, focus and judgement - exactly what you need to drive safely. Even if you feel fine, your body and brain say otherwise: drugs can stay in your system for longer than you think, sometimes for days. When you let drugs drive, you lose control.
The Law
There is a zero-tolerance approach to drug driving in England, Scotland and Wales which means that even small amounts of drugs in someone’s system can lead to prosecution. The limits are set very low and at a level to rule out accidental exposure (i.e. passive smoking), so even if the feeling of taking drugs has worn off, it can still be illegal to drive for a significant time afterwards.
There are also limits for driving on legal drugs such as prescription medicines. It is an offence to drive if these impair your driving in any way, so always talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to drive.
You can find out more about the law on drugs and driving here.
The penalties
The police frequently carry out roadside drug tests. If you are caught and convicted of drug-driving, you could face:
a minimum 12-month driving ban
a criminal record
an unlimited fine
time in prison
an endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years
The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs is life in prison, with a minimum driving ban of five years.
The Consequences
The consequences of a drug driving conviction are far reaching and can include:
losing your job and potential issues with future employers
losing your independence
the shame of having a criminal record
increase in car insurance costs
trouble getting into countries like the USA
The impact of drug driving extends beyond you – it can affect other people, your family, your friends. You risk injuring yourself and others, or worse.
Make a plan, Skip the risk
Most drivers don’t drive after taking drugs, because they know what’s at stake. If you’ve taken anything and are thinking about getting behind the wheel – stop and THINK! It may seem like one small choice, but it could have big consequences.
Stay at a mate’s
Book a cab
Hand over your keys – to a trusted friend, or leave the car behind
Stay sharp. Stay safe. Stay off the road if you’re on drugs.
For more information about drugs and how they can affect you, visit: Drugs A to Z | FRANK
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, support and advice is available: Find drug and alcohol support near you | FRANK
don’t put drugs in the driving seat.