The figures have revealed that in 2015 some 1,686 motorists were charged with the offence of drug driving.
This new report details the most common drugs that some people have in their system when they are driving. They include:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Ecstasy
- Amphetamine
- Ketamine
Also people have been charged with having a too heavier dose of perception medication such as diazepam and codeine.
Concerns have been raised as we enter the summer and many drivers using hay fever medication. Whilst there are plenty of drink driving campaigns, there is not the same public awareness of drug driving, especially when it comes to prescription medication.
Earlier reports have shown that 1 in 8 drivers have admitted to driving when under the influence prescription medication. However, what is of main concern is that 20% of motorists still do not know that using prescription medication may make them fall foul of the drug driving laws.
Drivers need to be aware that it is not just prescription medication that they need to be aware of. There is also the issue of “over the counter” medication that can be bought without seeking any professional medical advice.
Almost one third of UK drivers suffer from hay fever and will treat their symptoms with anti histamine and decongestant medications before getting behind the wheel.
However, when it comes to following the recommended dosage guidelines, many drivers are somewhat cavalier.
One in seven hay fever sufferers admit to never reading the medication labels as to dosage and whether it causes drowsiness or slow reaction times.
Almost a third of hay fever suffering motorists are unaware that taking the medication should cause them to be negatively effected when driving.
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