Currently, unlike drink drive limits there are no drug driving limits,. This is because research into how different drugs affect different peoples driving abilities is unconvincing.

Drugs are also harder to detect, so rather than testing a sample of breath at the side of the road as they do with suspected drink drivers, a police officer can ask you to do a field impairment test. This test is designed to evaluate your co-ordination skills. Different types of test will be carried out depending on the type of drug you are suspected of taking, as different drugs can have different effects on the body.

Drug driving carries the same penalties as drink driving – a minimum 12 month ban, a fine of up to £5000 and up to six months in prison. As with drink driving, the punishment is much more severe if you are found to have caused a fatal accident whilst under the influence of drugs.

Drugs can affect not only the way you behave and react but also your judgement and the way you think. For example, normally you may judge a space as far to narrow. But if you have taken drugs, you may try to squeeze through causing injury to yourself and others but also damaging not only your car but other peoples.

It is not just illegal drugs that can affect your driving but prescription drugs may also have an effect. Always read the label to find out if they may cause drowsiness or seek advice from your doctor.

Please also see:

www.thesite.org

www.drugdrive.co.uk

www.swindon.gov.uk

www.dft.gov.uk/think

www.brake.org.uk