Drugs, driving and the law

The following video includes information on how certain prescription medicines and others can affect driving, and is aimed at a more mature audience. 

This video is designed primarily for younger audiences, and focuses on illicit drugs. An additional resources sheet and a multiple-choice quiz connected with the video are available – see below. 

Further information 

The following websites provide useful additional information:

http://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/drugs-and-driving-blood-concentration-limits-set-for-certain-drugs 

The Government site with details of the new offence (which started on 2 March 2015 in England and Wales). 

http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/resources/free/drivers/promoting-refresher-driver-training-toolkit/focus-on-drugs-and-driving/ 

Exact figures for the number of road deaths and injuries caused by drivers who are impaired by drugs are not available. However, drug driving is a serious problem, that has persisted for many years and which leads to death and injury on our roads. 

http://www.brake.org.uk/not-a-drop-not-a-drag/15-facts-a-resources/facts/482-drug-driving-an-overview 

Many medical and illegal drugs have very serious negative effects on driving ability. In official government statistics, impairment by illegal or medical drugs was recorded as a contributory factor in at least 31 road deaths and 181 serious injuries in Britain in 2013. 

http://www.road-safety.org.uk/driving/drink-driving-and-drug-driving/ 

Any amount of alcohol or drug taking, however small, will impair driving ability and you must fully understand more about the effects and consequences. 

http://www.roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/c5.html 

Road Safety GB is a national road safety organisation that includes representatives from groups across the UK, such as local government road safety teams. 

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