Fuel Card News Updates: Report reveals drug-driving risk

A report by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed drivers who smoke cannabis within three hours of driving a vehicle double the risk of a serious incident.

The report shows that in the UK 18 percent of people killed in road accidents have traces of illegal drugs in their system with cannabis being the most common. There is currently no law against driving under the influence of illegal drugs, meaning police have to prove the driver is impaired. This makes is difficult for the police to prosecute drivers who risk lives by drug-driving resulting in low conviction rates compared to drink-driving.

Mike Penning, Road Safety Minister, has confirmed the Government is intending to introduce a new drug-driving offence and recently announced a panel of experts who will advise on the technicalities of introducing the new offence, including whether it is possible to set limits similar to the drink-drive limit. Drug screening devices are also being introduced into police stations around the country.

A recent survey by road safety charity Brake and insurer Direct Line revealed that one in nine young drivers (11 percent) admitted to driving while on illegal drugs. Julie Townsend, Brake Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Tackling drug driving should be a top priority. This report highlights the danger posed by drivers who have smoked cannabis and adds weight to Brake’s calls for widespread testing and prosecution of drivers who selfishly risk lives by taking illegal drugs and driving.

“Brake supports bereaved and seriously injured victims of road crashes and knows too well the horrifying devastation caused by drug drivers.

“We are pleased the Government has expressed commitment to tackling drug driving; we now need urgent action to bring in this desperately needed change in the law – taking a tough, zero tolerance stance – and roadside screening devices to create a strong deterrent against this heinous and highly dangerous behaviour.”

In other motoring news, a report by Auto Trader suggests that despite record highs of inflation last year and the struggling car market, prices of second hand cars have been bucking the trend and steadily subsiding.

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