Calls to tackle drug driving 'epidemic' with drivers failing half of roadside tests

There have been calls to tackle the “growing epidemic” of drug driving with half of motorists failing roadside drug tests.

Calls to tackle drug driving ‘epidemic’ with drivers failing half of roadside tests

 There have been calls to tackle the “growing epidemic” of drug driving with half of motorists failing roadside drug tests.

In 2023, 51 per cent of drivers pulled over for a roadside drug test were found to be positive. In the first seven months of 2024 that figure was 49 per cent, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

This information is based on data from 17 out of 45 police forces across the UK in response to Freedom of Information requests.

Drug-driving rules consist of very low limits for eight illegal drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, risk-based limits for eight drugs that have a medical use, and a separate approach to amphetamines that aims to balance legitimate medical use with abuse.

Roadside swab tests identify whether a motorist has used cannabis or cocaine.

Calls to tackle drug driving ‘epidemic’ with drivers failing half of roadside tests

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/roadside-drug-driving-test-results-b2684321.html