CANNABIS IS A KILLER ON THE ROADS

MOTORISTS who take to the wheel after smoking cannabis could pose a greater
risk of causing accidents than drink-drivers, it was warned today.

A charity that helps Norwich families who have lost relatives in road
accidents has welcomed moves to introduce a roadside drugs tests by a
motoring organisation.

Cannabis, smoked by about 10 per cent of drivers, slows the reaction times
and reduces concentration, according to research published by the RAC today.

And 12 per cent of UK drivers killed in road accidents have cannabis in
their bloodstream.

Jackie Boys, East Anglia co-ordinator for RoadPeace, spoke out today as the
RAC launched its campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of taking drugs
and driving. "When people are killed by drink or drug-using drivers then
the families in some cases never do recover. "It's so devastating, so
violent, so sudden. It's just selfishness on the part of the driver."

Educating people about the dangers was the key, not catching them on the
roads. Ms Boys said: "It's prevention we want, not more people getting
caught. "It's about people taking responsibility for themselves."

Norfolk police also welcomed the RAC's plan to introduce roadside tests,
more research into dangers, and educate people about the dangers.

Insp. John Fairey, of the traffic division, said he welcomed anything that
could lead to a reduction in the number of accidents. "We are aware that
there is a problem. Our awareness is growing which does not mean the
problem is growing too." He said work was being carried out in Scotland to
see if such a device could be developed along the lines of similar machines
used in other countries.

Edmund King, RAC head of campaigns, said: "There could be thousands of
people who would never dream of drinking and driving but are still putting
themselves and other road-users at risk by using cannabis or other drugs
which impair their driving and reduce their concentration."