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9,000 drivers were caught drink and drug driving during police crackdown last year
05 July 2023
Figures from National Police Chiefs’ Council show that almost 9,000 drivers were caught drink and drug-driving in the Operation Limit campaign which took place throughout the UK between 21 November 2022 and 1 January 2023.
During the campaign, 52,667 drivers were breath tested at the roadside and 10.2 per cent failed or refused to take the test.
Officers also conducted 6,273 drug wipe tests, of which 53.6 per cent came back positive.
Interestingly, it was noted that 79 per cent of offenders caught were male and 77 per cent were over the age of 25.
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing Jo Shiner said that drink and drug driving are “one of the fatal five causes of road collisions that results in thousands of deaths each and every year”.
A survey of more than 2,000 motorists by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart found that:
- One in 10 motorists have driven or been a passenger in a vehicle where the driver has been under the influence of illegal drugs.
- 14 per cent of respondents said they would not stop a family member or friend who was planning to drive while under the influence of drugs.
- 6 per cent of respondents would be comfortable with driving while under the influence of drugs.
IAM RoadSmart has called for the Government to take action by:
- Announcing the findings and outcomes of its consultation on ‘Protecting the public from repeat drug-driving offenders’.
- Reprioritising drug-driving as a standalone issue from drink-driving, and separate rehabilitation courses accordingly.
- Developing a rehabilitation course for drug-driving offenders, specifically relating to illegal substances.
- Creating a campaign to raise awareness and distribute advice on the potential outcomes of driving whilst under the influence of over-the-counter medications.
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