South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
17 Aug 2022
DRUG DRIVE - WHAT'S IT WORTH?
What would you risk for a high?
That’s the question being asked by road safety teams as part of a national crack-down on drink and drug driving.
From Monday (15 August), the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) will be shining a spotlight on the dangers of driving or riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
And with the penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drink or drugs currently up to 14 years in prison, the Partnership is hoping that road users will stand up and listen to the advice.
Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP said: “Drink and drug driving can prove fatal and there is absolutely no excuse.
“It has a massive impact on your concentration, reaction times and general ability behind the wheel.
“Not only will you be significantly increasing your chances of being involved in a collision, potentially injuring yourself and others, you are also risking other personal consequences such as a fine, losing your licence, prison and a criminal record.
“We all need to take responsibility for our actions on the road and prevent the unnecessary hurt and suffering caused by collisions.”
Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving faces a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drink or drug driving. This will last for 11 years.
“Conviction and casualty data shows that men under 30 are most likely to be involved in a collision where drugs are a contributory factor,” added Joanne.
“We are asking people to think about the impact of their actions on their family, their friends, their daily lives.
“We want friends to look out for each other. Please urge your loved ones not to get behind the wheel under the influence or drink or drugs. If you think someone has been taking drugs, don’t get in the car with them.
“Think about what you are risking – just don’t do it.”
Unlike alcohol, it can take days and weeks before some drugs leave your system completely, meaning even occasional users may still test positive and be guilty of driving under the influence of drugs.
As well as illicit substances such as cannabis and cocaine, it is illegal to drive or ride if you are impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Under the current law, it is the responsibility of the driver or rider to check whether their medication can affect them.
“Drivers are advised to always read the label on the packaging of any medicines they are taking and if in doubt, speak with a doctor or pharmacist,” added Joanne.
“Visit our website to see a list of medications where it is advised that you speak to your doctor before driving.”
For more information on drug driving and the law visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/drugdriving
That’s the question being asked by road safety teams as part of a national crack-down on drink and drug driving.
From Monday (15 August), the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) will be shining a spotlight on the dangers of driving or riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
And with the penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drink or drugs currently up to 14 years in prison, the Partnership is hoping that road users will stand up and listen to the advice.
Joanne Wehrle, manager of SYSRP said: “Drink and drug driving can prove fatal and there is absolutely no excuse.
“It has a massive impact on your concentration, reaction times and general ability behind the wheel.
“Not only will you be significantly increasing your chances of being involved in a collision, potentially injuring yourself and others, you are also risking other personal consequences such as a fine, losing your licence, prison and a criminal record.
“We all need to take responsibility for our actions on the road and prevent the unnecessary hurt and suffering caused by collisions.”
Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving faces a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drink or drug driving. This will last for 11 years.
“Conviction and casualty data shows that men under 30 are most likely to be involved in a collision where drugs are a contributory factor,” added Joanne.
“We are asking people to think about the impact of their actions on their family, their friends, their daily lives.
“We want friends to look out for each other. Please urge your loved ones not to get behind the wheel under the influence or drink or drugs. If you think someone has been taking drugs, don’t get in the car with them.
“Think about what you are risking – just don’t do it.”
Unlike alcohol, it can take days and weeks before some drugs leave your system completely, meaning even occasional users may still test positive and be guilty of driving under the influence of drugs.
As well as illicit substances such as cannabis and cocaine, it is illegal to drive or ride if you are impaired by prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Under the current law, it is the responsibility of the driver or rider to check whether their medication can affect them.
“Drivers are advised to always read the label on the packaging of any medicines they are taking and if in doubt, speak with a doctor or pharmacist,” added Joanne.
“Visit our website to see a list of medications where it is advised that you speak to your doctor before driving.”
For more information on drug driving and the law visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/drugdriving
