Research shows that drug driving is now more common than
drink driving in the under 40s. But online car insurer, elephant.co.uk,
which insures a lot of drivers in the 25-40 age group, is warning
them that the consequence of being caught driving under the
influence of drugs is every bit as bad as being caught drink
driving.
elephant.co.uk managing director, Nicole Joyce, said, "The
number of road accident victims found with illegal substances
in their bloodstream, has risen six-fold in the last ten years.
Up to 18% of fatalities have illegal drugs in their bloodstream.
It seems that while drink driving is seen as socially unacceptable
by most younger drivers, many see nothing wrong with drug driving."
The number of motorists elephant.co.uk has seen banned for
drug driving has risen in recent years. As well as losing their
licence drug drivers will also find it almost impossible to
get car insurance once their licence is returned. elephant.co.uk,
like most insurers, does not want convicted drug drivers amongst
its policyholders.
In cases where motorists have an accident while under the
influence of drugs, insurance companies have the right to cancel
their insurance policy. In these cases the motorists may have
to pay for all the damage they have caused themselves.
Nicole Joyce, continued, "Drugs interfere with sight
and sound, the senses most crucial for driving. They make reaction
times slower and dull the sense of danger. Why would anyone
want to drive while in that state? Thankfully the police have
more powers than ever to help them to catch and prosecute drug
drivers."
The new Railway and Transport Safety Act issued in July this
year gives the police power to use screening tests for drugs
at the roadside. These tests involve taking a specimen of sweat
or saliva. Research shows 9 out of 10 of us support the introduction
of these tests. But the consequence of anyone being caught
drug driving could be a £5,000 fine or even a prison
sentence.
But there is also a more devastating result of drug driving.
Nicole Joyce explained, "Sadly too many post mortems after
road accidents reveal the presence of drugs in the bloodstream."
Issue date: 17-09-03 |
