10 June 2024

1.2 Million Drive Under the Influence of Drugs

1.2 million have been found to be driving under the influence of drugs creating risks to motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

The United Kingdom is seeing a worrying increase in the number of convictions for driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Over the past few years the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has reported that convictions have risen from 41,457 in 2014 to 58,117 in 2022, representing a increase of 40%

The numbers show that 1 in 20 fatal crashes in the UK is now attributed to drug driving, resulting in calls for additional measures to tackle the issue. The results of drug-impaired are far more than just numbers with families mourning, communities shattered and society debating the ways to combat the issue.

A staggering one in ten people admit that they drove while under the influence because they didn't think they would get caught. Other drug fuelled excuses include not being able to afford a tax and the lack of available public transport and that they were not of a clear mind to think properly about the consequences.

Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous to other motorists, passengers and pedestrians. One in twenty people who have taken drugs and then driven have also admitted to speeding.

Drugged drivers have a distorted perception of their driving ability. Accidents that have occurred whilst on drugs include driving into other vehicles and crashing into walls.

Past research from Direct Line found that cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and MDMA form the top four drugs detected with drug swipes.

If you are found to be under the influence of driving it can seriously affect your car insurance premiums. Drug driving is normally seen delivering equal penalties in the form of higher premiums as drink driving, and the impact of a positive drugs test can affect the price of car insurance for up to a decade after the offence.