Britain’s ‘hidden epidemic’ of drug driving exposed

A ‘hidden epidemic’ of drug driving is at large in Britain, with nearly one in three taking to the road unaware that they have dangerous levels of drugs in their system.

However, the drugs in question are not illicit substances, such as cannabis or cocaine.

Instead, they are everyday prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications, including painkillers and anti-depressants, says road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart.

In a survey of more than 2,000 motorists, it found nearly a third of drivers do not know what the maximum dose of a prescription medication is before it will impact their driving. 

‘Hidden epidemic’ of drug driving: A road safety charity has warned that one in three Britons are not aware if they have dangerous amounts of prescribed drugs in their system

Meanwhile, 31 per cent of those surveyed do not know how long they should wait before driving after taking their medication.

More than a fifth (22 per cent) of drivers polled said they either rarely (14 per cent) or never (8 per cent) check whether their medication will impact their ability to drive.

Over a quarter (28 per cent) are unlikely to avoid driving after taking over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or cold and flu remedies, that come with a warning not to use heavy equipment or machinery.

Under UK law, it’s an offence to drive or attempt to drive while unfit because of drug use – and driving laws do not distinguish between illegal and prescribed drugs. 

However, those who have driven while over the specified legal limit may have a medical defence, as long as they have followed the advice of healthcare professionals or are not causing the motorist to be unfit to drive.

Although it’s ultimately the driver’s legal responsibility to inform the DVLA of their fitness to drive, it is also the responsibility of GPs and pharmacists to offer suitable clinical advice to patients regarding the likely risks of prescribed medications.

Drivers caught and convicted of drug-driving – even if it is prescriptions drugs – can receive a minimum 12-month driving ban, criminal record, unlimited fine and up to six months in prison

And as we enter hay fever season, drivers need to be particularly alert to the medication they are taking.

The NHS estimates that 10million Britons suffer from hay fever, with many using over-the-counter drugs to relieve runny noses and itchy eyes.

But, pharmacists warn that motorists taking excessive doses of prescribed remedies could find themselves in legal trouble by failing on-the-spot roadside drug tests.

Motorists found exceeding the IAM RoadSmart is calling for a review of the prescription process, as the charity claims this lack of awareness may have led to an increase of drug-drivers on UK roads.

Drivers caught and convicted of drug-driving can receive a minimum 12-month driving ban, criminal record, unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.

Since the law changed in 2015 and police are able to perform roadside drug tests on motorists, convictions for drug driving have increased year-on-year, reaching 27,962 cases in 2021.

Potential reforms may include following the example of Australia, where medication packaging is legally required to display a visible warning if a driver could be impaired by the substance, or the French, who have deployed a colour-coded system on medications labels to help make potential risks clearer.

‘When people think of driving while under the influence of drugs, they will probably, quite understandably, think of those who get behind the wheel after taking illicit and recreational substances such as cocaine, cannabis or ecstasy,’ explains Antony Kildare, chief executive at IAM RoadSmart.

‘And yet legal drugs that are used for medicinal purposes can often be just as potent, and could profoundly impact a driver’s judgement while behind the wheel. 

‘However, under the current system, this threat may not be understood – resulting in a lack of awareness of what should be basic considerations, such as maximum dosages or whether the medication will impact their ability to drive.

‘We would like to see a new and reformed system which will provide more transparency on how medications can affect a motorist’s ability to drive, and clearly communicate potential risks to motorists.’

Road safety experts recommend that drivers remain vigilant of any potential symptoms of taking medication.

They also need to consider how the side-effects could impair their driving. 

This includes whether they may cause issues including drowsiness, light-headedness, shakes and dizziness.

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk