DRUG DRIVING AMONG YOUNG IS ON THE RISE

YOUNG drivers are still failing to heed warnings about drink and drug
driving.

A poll by Co-operative Insurance revealed 55% of youngsters are still
getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Historically, drink driving has been the catalyst for motoring
convictions, however the figures suggest that drug driving in Scotland
is on the rise, with 41% of young drivers polled admitting to driving
under the influence of illegal drugs and 51% under the influence of
alcohol.

advertisementDavid Neave, director of general insurance at the Co-op,
said: "These figures are very concerning especially with reports
warning that illegal drug use in the UK is on the increase."

The characteristics of drug driving are extremely wide-ranging
depending on what has been taken and the effects can last for up to a
48 hours, meaning that many passengers may be unknowingly putting
their lives at risk by accepting a lift in a car being driven by
someone under the influence.

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory has found that 17% of
drivers who die in road traffic accidents have traces of illegal drugs
in their system which may have affected their driving.