THINK! Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat
The Isle of Wight Council is proud to be supporting the Department for Transport THINK! campaign that highlights the impact drug driving can have on your night, your life and your future, as well as the risk of injuring yourself or others.
Between 2014 and 2023, there was a 70% increase in deceased drivers where drugs were present. Young men are overrepresented, with around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions being male, and 4 in every 10 aged between 17 and 29.*
Overconfidence and a tendency to underestimate the risks are widespread, with 32% of young men believing it is OK to drive after taking drugs if they ‘feel fine’, while 46% report knowing someone who drives after using drugs.
To tackle this growing issue, THINK! are launching an impactful new campaign. ‘Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat’ reminds young drivers of the risks and the spiral of consequences they can face if they choose to drug drive.
In 2015, the drug driving law changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers.
It is now an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood – this includes illegal and medical drugs.
The limits set for each drug are different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low, but have been set at a level to rule out any accidental exposure (for example, through passive smoking).
Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at the police station. Even drivers that pass the roadside check can be arrested if the police suspect that your driving is impaired by drugs.
The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If you are convicted, you could face:
- a minimum 12-month driving ban
- a criminal record
- an unlimited fine
- up to 6 months in prison
- an endorsement on your driving license for 11 years
The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs or drink is life in prison, with a minimum driving ban of five years.
The consequences of a drug drive conviction are far reaching and can include:
- job loss
- loss of independence
- the shame of having a criminal record
- increase in car insurance costs
- reduced social opportunities and network
- trouble travelling to other countries
Related help and support – drug and alcohol use
Inclusion IOW offers free, tailored support for those who may be struggling with alcohol and/or drugs and need support.
It can be hard reach out, and Inclusion IOW will do everything they can to make sure you feel safe, supported, and listened to.
Their services are designed with input from people who’ve been where you are, so they know what works.
Whether you’re a young person or an adult, Inclusion IOW will work with you to move towards a healthier, more positive future.
They have strong systems in place to make sure our care is effective, responsive, and tailored to your needs.
If you do not live on the Isle of Wight but are looking into support services locally available to you, or somebody else, please visit the FRANK website.
Understand how alcohol affects your health and the benefits of drinking less. You will find practical tools like the free Drinking Check quiz, tips for cutting down, and guidance on UK drinking limits. We also share short-term and long-term health benefits, advice from trusted organisations, and links to local and national support.
By using these resources, you can make informed choices, improve your wellbeing, and reduce health risks linked to alcohol.
Please note that this calculator is not intended to help you work out how much you can drink on a night out before driving home.
If you are drinking any amount of alcohol on a night out - even one drink - you should leave the car at home and make alternative arrangements.
And the calculator will not help you if you are arrested for drink driving.
What it will do is enable you to calculate roughly when it will be safe for you to drive the morning after drinking alcohol.
And it can help you calculate when to stop drinking alcohol if you must drive the following morning.
Interested in supporting the campaign?
You can support the campaign at no cost by
- downloading the campaign materials from the DfT campaign webpage
- use example posts from the stakeholder toolkit
- share with your audience using relevant social media channels
If would like to amplify the campaign with paid spend contact roadsafety@iow.gov.uk
You can also support local road safety messaging by joining Project Pictogram
Related link: Christmas drink drive campaign