Any person who goes to work under the influence of drugs is putting themselves and others at risk and this is perhaps even more so when the person’s work takes them on our roads. So let’s look at some facts when it comes to drugs and driving.
- Why is it dangerous to takes drugs and drive? Drugs affect our brains and particularly our sight and our understanding of what is happening around us. Our ability to act quickly, concentration and coordination are all affected by drugs.
- How much someone is affected by drugs when driving will depend on a variety of factors, such as the drug’s strength and quantity, when the drug was last used, how it was used and the mix of drugs.
- Individual factors such as sex, age and overall health also play a part.
- Mixing drugs, alcohol and driving can be particularly dangerous, as the effects can be unpredictable. Even a small amount of alcohol when used with drugs can have a significant effect on your ability to drive.
- While some drivers believe taking certain drugs will help keep them awake, fatigue, drugs and driving is another potentially lethal combination.
- Driving while on drugs is not uncommon. In a nationwide survey in 2007, one in 5 illegal drug users admitted to driving a car while under the influence. Young people are the main culprits.
- It’s not just illegal drugs that are a concern, with around 25% of all people admitting to ignoring warnings on prescribed and over the counter medicine and driving after taking the medicine.
It’s worth bearing in mind that if you are a worker who drives for a living and the risk of injuring yourself or others doesn’t deter you, then perhaps the risk of losing your licence should. If you are caught driving while on drugs in many cases you can lose your job.
Source: DrugInfo
