POLICE are
launching a new campaign to stop people driving while high on drugs.
Billboards,
posters and beer mats will be appearing across Warwickshire as officers crack
down on those who flaunt the law.
The campaign
comes in response to startling national figures showing an increase in drug driving because young people are unaware of the
dangers.
Police
research shows a 400 per cent increase in 18 to 25-year-olds caught driving under the influence of drugs in the last 15 years. Another
survey by Autotrader showed one in five 17 to 24-year-olds admitting to
regularly smoking cannabis and driving, while 12 per cent admit to taking
cocaine before getting behind the wheel.
Councillor
Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s head of environment, said: “It is
alarming to hear of the increasing numbers of young people taking drugs before
driving.
“They are
not only putting their own lives at risk but also those of other road users and
pedestrians.
“Drivers
should take on board what is being said and consider the potentially
devastating affects caused by drug driving.”
Research
also showed many young drivers do not realise drugs will affect their ability
to drive and some even believe they can drive better on certain drugs. Studies
also found a lack of awareness of the penalties for drug driving.
Warwickshire’s
drug and alcohol action team launched the campaign to raise awareness on Monday
outside Shire Hall, Warwick.
Chief
Inspector Chris Lewis, of Warwickshire Police, said driving while on drugs
could lead to slower reactions, poor concentration, distorted perception and
over confidence.
He said:
“There appears to be a lack of awareness of the penalties or dangers associated
with drug driving.
“Drugs impair
your ability to drive safely and for that reason we treat drug driving as a
very serious offence. It is illegal and carries the same penalties as drink
driving.”
Coventry News 
