Young drivers unaware of new drug driving laws
News of new drug driving laws has failed to filter through to a concerning number of young drivers, a new survey has found.
Research published by Carrot Car Insurance revealed that one in eight young drivers are unaware of the recent change in drug-driving laws (12%).
Since the start of March, police officers have been able to stop and test drivers for drugs by the roadside with a breathalyser kit, much like they do for alcohol.
Previously, suspects had to be taken into a police station for time-consuming tests, conducted under medical supervision.
In addition, one in five respondents to the survey (22%) didn’t know that it is also now illegal to drive with certain prescription drugs in the body, with the new legislation now banning drivers from having Clonazepam, Diazepam, Morphine, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam, Methdone and date-rape drug Rohypnol in their system.
A further 20% were also unaware that the penalty for drug driving can be up to six months in prison, and a minimum one-year driving ban. Fewer than three in ten (28%) knew the correct legal alcohol limit for driving in Britain (80mg of alcohol for every 100ml of blood).
More than a quarter of young motorists (26%) said they knew someone who had driven a car while under the influence of drugs.
Ed Rochfort, Product Director for Carrot Car Insurance, believes the change in laws around drug driving has left motorists confused and vulnerable.
He commented: “More should be done to educate drivers, beyond the initial campaign launched by Think!, to ensure motorists are better equipped to understand all points of the law so they are not at risk of breaking it.
“Driver education around the issue should be an ongoing process, and to assist Carrot will be hosting a series of education sessions for young drivers, via our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels to help them better understand the intricacies of the new law, and the consequences for breaking it.”