Recent data shows an increase in people driving under the influence of drugs in the UK. Chief Constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs Council has cited “social acceptance” particularly among young people as a contributing factor to the rise. Roadside testing in December found that in England and Wales, drug test results were positive in 48.5% of cases, whereas 9.5% of breathalyser tests for alcohol were positive. Some UK police forces are reporting more drug-related arrests than arrests related to drink-driving. The UK government has said it will take action following the data release.
Summer Mace has called for increased sentences for those convicted of drug-driving following a devastating accident. Her mother, sister and stepfather were killed in a head-on collision with a driver under the influence of illegal drugs in January 2021. Trainee teacher Mace suggested that harsher punishments would deter more people from drug-driving. A spokesperson for the UK government cited tough penalties and rigorous enforcement but concurrs that stronger sentences are needed for cases involving serious injury or fatality.
Inspector Gavin Dixon, a roads policing officer, has said that drug-driving lacks the level of social stigma associated with drink-driving, meaning many drug-drivers believe they will not be caught. The NPCC figures indicate an increase in drug-related driving arrests among younger drivers, which correlates with greater cannabis use across society. UK laws introduced in England and Wales in 2015 made driving while above certain levels of intoxication from illegal or prescription drugs illegal. People convicted of drug-driving can currently receive various penalties, including driving bans and up to six months’ imprisonment, while convictions for causing death due to drug-driving can be punished with life imprisonment.
Katie Stone, who lost the father of her three children in a drug-related accident, also called for changes to the law. She suggested that causing a death through unlawful driving should be treated as manslaughter, with more significant penalties. UK police forces carrying out roadside testing have called for tougher sentences to discourage drug-driving. The UK government has promised to clamp down further on drug-driving
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More