DRUG RISK FOR PARTY DRIVERS

DRUG drivers were today warned to stay off the road or face being
hauled through the courts.

Police and road safety chiefs have issued a festive warning to
revellers intent on getting behind the wheel while under the influence
of drugs.

While many are aware of the dangers of drink driving, campaigners say
drug driving is just as dangerous and carries the same penalties.

Their call comes as a survey found a worrying one third of young
people in the North West said they know someone who takes illegal
drugs and drives regularly.

The Government has launched a campaign for Christmas and New Year to
raise awareness of drug driving among clubbers, particularly young men
aged 17 to 34.

Throughout December, there will be advertising in nightclubs and
clubbing websites.

Carol Bracegirdle, travel and road safety manager at Blackpool
Council, said: "Obviously, we are very concerned about these statistics.

"Drugs and driving don't mix.

"Any drug, illicit or prescribed, can seriously impair a person's
driving ability and in particular their judgement.

"Any passenger aware that the driver is under the influence of drugs
is advised to find an alternative.

"Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean
you aren't able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last
for hours or even days."

She added: "Drug driving is considered to be just as serious an
offence as drink driving and the penalties are the same.

"The police can carry out roadside tests of impairment to help them
decide whether to arrest you."

She said the effects of drugs included slower reaction times, poor
concentration, confused thinking, distorted perception, over
confidence, impaired co-ordination, hallucinations and blurred vision.

Sgt Peter Beresford, from Blackpool's road policing department, said:
"Persons who drive while impaired pose a considerable risk to all road
users and as such will be dealt with robustly by the police and the
courts. They can expect to get arrested and go to court, with only
themselves to blame."

According to research, by breakdown organisation Green Flag, 37 per
cent of North West passengers had been driven by a driver under the
influence of drugs and one in five would drive three hours after
taking tranquillisers or anti-depressants, which can affect driving
for hours.

For more information on how drugs can impair driving, visit
www.drugdrive.com.

Any person who knows of any drink or drugged driver can inform police
for immediate action, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.