Young drivers unaware of drug-driving laws

Research has revealed that young drivers are still unaware of the details surrounding drug-driving laws.

A study carried out by Carrot Car Insurance has found that 12% of drivers did not know about the recent changes to drug driving laws that allow officers to carry out a roadside breathalyser test for suspected offences.

Additionally, 22% of those who responded to the survey (22%) didn’t know that it is also illegal to drive after taking a number of prescription drugs, whilst 20% were unaware of the potential penalties for drug-driving. Over a quarter of young motorists (26%) said they knew someone who had driven a car while under the influence of drugs.

Anybody successfully convicted of driving under the influence of drugs can face up to six months in prison, as well as a minimum-term driving ban of one year.

Ed Rochfort, Product Director for Carrot Car Insurance, believes the change in laws around drug driving has left motorists confused and vulnerable.

He said: “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.”

He added; “Driver education around the issue should be an ongoing process.”

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