A study by charity Brake today reveals that more than 1 in 10 drivers aged 17-24 has taken to the road while under the influence of drugs.
Young drivers are also four times more likely than their older counterparts to consider drug driving.
Ellen Booth, Brake senior campaigns officer, said: “The risks of driving on drugs are huge, and the consequences devastating – yet a huge proportion of young drivers are taking this appalling gamble with their own and others’ lives.”
You might be surprised to learn that it’s not illegal to drive with drugs in your system – unless the police can prove that the drugs are impairing your ability to drive. Brake proposes that this law should be changed, bringing it in line with the approach currently used for drink driving.
As far as we’re concerned, drivers both young and old should stay on the safe side and never drive with any substance in your system – it’s impossible to know the exact effect it will have on your hazard perception and driving ability.