One in two motorists pulled over on suspicion of drug-driving fail roadside drug tests as the number of fatalities rises. The number of deceased drivers with ‘impairment drugs’ present has increased by over 70% from 2014 to 2022, leading to concerns from road safety organisations that drug users continue to get behind the wheel despite the dangers.
A Freedom of Information request was submitted to all 45 police forces in the UK, with 31 forces providing data. According to the data obtained by IAM RoadSmart, more than half (51%) of drivers tested positive during roadside testing in 2023, while in 2024, 49% of drivers tested positive in the first 7 months of the year.
This is based on failure rate data provided by 17 of the 31 police forces that responded to the FOI request.
Meanwhile Department for Transport (DfT) figures show that the number of deceased drivers with ‘impairment drugs’ present has increased by over 70% from 2014 to 2022.
Police Scotland recorded the most failed tests in December 2023 and January 2024 with a total of 526 offenders, followed by Greater Manchester Police with 397 and Surrey Police with 368.
‘Impairment drugs’ fall into three categories: psychoactive medications such as benzodiazepines; psychoactive drugs that could be prescribed, abused or used in emergency medical treatment such as morphine, alfentanil, fentanyl, ketamine; and drugs that are prone to abuse, such as cocaine and LSD, which have no medical use according to The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
A conviction for drug-driving can lead to a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record. For people who drive for work, the ban will show up on employer licence checks and your insurance will increase significantly when you return to the road.
IAM RoadSmart Policy Manager William Porter said: “The fact that one in two motorists are failing roadside drugs tests shows that the message about the dangers of drug-driving is not getting through. Separate research by IAM RoadSmart indicates that one in seven (16%) drivers aged 17-34 admitted to getting behind the wheel after taking class A drugs, indicating how vital it is to tackle this growing epidemic.”
“We urgently need a new approach to combat drug-driving which focuses on both greater enforcement and establishing rehabilitation courses to reduce reoffending. The evidence shows that those taking equivalent drink-drive courses are almost three times less likely to reoffend than those who don’t. Ministers must consider expanding similar courses to those with drug-driving convictions.”
How can fleet managers tackle drug- and drink-driving?
Road safety awareness training should be an ongoing process, with a specific focus in risk prevention relating to drug- and drink-driving. This includes increased awareness and training, random spot checks and drug testing.
Fleet managers, irrespective of the size of their fleet, need to be aware that it’s more than likely that one of their drivers has taken drugs at any time. Due to lack of awareness, many drivers don’t realise the risks of driving whilst on medication, so it’s important for managers to be trained to identify these signs.
Employees should be encouraged to seek the advice of medical professionals where appropriate and be reminded that help is always available for those who find themselves struggling with alcohol and drug problems.
For the best safety enhancements for your team, IAM RoadSmart offers on-road training, online fleet risk management and classroom learning sessions, . To find out what we can do for your organisation, get in touch.
