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19/08/2005
One in seven young drivers admit ‘drug-driving’
More than one in seven young drivers admit driving while under the influence of illegal drugs, a new survey has found.
The study of 1,150 drivers aged between 17 and 25, by national road safety charity Brake, also found that one in ten of those who admitted to ‘drug driving’, did so after consuming alcohol as well.
And 90% of those admitted drug drivers said that they carried passengers in their vehicle while under the influence.
A recent survey carried out on behalf of the government found that driving under the influence of illegal drugs has increased over the past decade, revealing that 18% of drivers who died in accidents between 1996 – 2000 had illegal drugs in their system, compared to 3% during the period 1985 – 1988.
Brake said a “huge proportion” of drivers killed on UK roads are young. One in four drivers who die behind the wheel are under 25, the charity reported, despite this age group accounting for just one in fifteen car license-holders.
There was an overall fall in road deaths last year by 8%, by deaths among 16 to 19-year-old drivers and passengers increased by 12%, the charity said.
The Chief Executive of Brake, Mary Williams, said: “It’s high time that young people were made to realise the horrific consequences of drink and drugged driving. Through our helpline, Brake frequently supports families whose loved ones have been killed suddenly and violently because a driver has decided to get behind the wheel on drink or drugs. It’s a disgrace that so many young people are taking these risks and an outrage that the Government does not do more to raise awareness among this age group and invest more in policing our roads.”
Brake has called for the government to tackle the problem with a series of measures, including: year-round TV advertising on the dangers of drink and drug driving aimed at young people; increased powers for police to carry out random drink and drugs testing and the introduction of a new electronic drug-testing device that can be used at the roadside.
The charity has also called for the introduction of a ‘graduated’ driving license, which would ban newly qualified drivers from carrying more than one passenger, driving at night or on motorways and driving cars with high-capacity engines.
(KMcA/SP)
The study of 1,150 drivers aged between 17 and 25, by national road safety charity Brake, also found that one in ten of those who admitted to ‘drug driving’, did so after consuming alcohol as well.
And 90% of those admitted drug drivers said that they carried passengers in their vehicle while under the influence.
A recent survey carried out on behalf of the government found that driving under the influence of illegal drugs has increased over the past decade, revealing that 18% of drivers who died in accidents between 1996 – 2000 had illegal drugs in their system, compared to 3% during the period 1985 – 1988.
Brake said a “huge proportion” of drivers killed on UK roads are young. One in four drivers who die behind the wheel are under 25, the charity reported, despite this age group accounting for just one in fifteen car license-holders.
There was an overall fall in road deaths last year by 8%, by deaths among 16 to 19-year-old drivers and passengers increased by 12%, the charity said.
The Chief Executive of Brake, Mary Williams, said: “It’s high time that young people were made to realise the horrific consequences of drink and drugged driving. Through our helpline, Brake frequently supports families whose loved ones have been killed suddenly and violently because a driver has decided to get behind the wheel on drink or drugs. It’s a disgrace that so many young people are taking these risks and an outrage that the Government does not do more to raise awareness among this age group and invest more in policing our roads.”
Brake has called for the government to tackle the problem with a series of measures, including: year-round TV advertising on the dangers of drink and drug driving aimed at young people; increased powers for police to carry out random drink and drugs testing and the introduction of a new electronic drug-testing device that can be used at the roadside.
The charity has also called for the introduction of a ‘graduated’ driving license, which would ban newly qualified drivers from carrying more than one passenger, driving at night or on motorways and driving cars with high-capacity engines.
(KMcA/SP)
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28 August 2015
Young Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Driving
Young drivers are more likely to use their mobile phones while driving, according to a recent survey. The study was conducted by Surveygoo on behalf of road safety charity Brake. The survey questioned 1,000 drivers from across the UK on whether they had spoken on the phone while driving, hands-held or hands-free.
Young Drivers More Likely To Use Phones While Driving
Young drivers are more likely to use their mobile phones while driving, according to a recent survey. The study was conducted by Surveygoo on behalf of road safety charity Brake. The survey questioned 1,000 drivers from across the UK on whether they had spoken on the phone while driving, hands-held or hands-free.
07 September 2009
Brixton Drug Gang Get Long Sentences
A gang of criminals who ran a lucrative drug dealing network from a car tyre shop in Brixton were sentenced last week to a total of 81 years in prison. Nine men, who were previously convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, appeared at Kingston Crown Court today to hear their sentences.
Brixton Drug Gang Get Long Sentences
A gang of criminals who ran a lucrative drug dealing network from a car tyre shop in Brixton were sentenced last week to a total of 81 years in prison. Nine men, who were previously convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, appeared at Kingston Crown Court today to hear their sentences.
21 November 2011
UK's Road Safety Week Beings
Police officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers of the roads in support to Road Safety Week, which starts on Monday. Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about becoming more aware and helping put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our streets.
UK's Road Safety Week Beings
Police officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers of the roads in support to Road Safety Week, which starts on Monday. Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about becoming more aware and helping put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our streets.
03 June 2008
Police Clamp Down On Summer Drink Drivers
The Metropolitan Police has kicked of its summer crackdown on people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The drive is in support of the national month long campaign, spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), which will see traffic officers out in force tackling the seasonal increase in drink and drug offences.
Police Clamp Down On Summer Drink Drivers
The Metropolitan Police has kicked of its summer crackdown on people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The drive is in support of the national month long campaign, spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), which will see traffic officers out in force tackling the seasonal increase in drink and drug offences.
30 June 2006
Interactive DVD launched for young drivers
An interactive DVD has been launched for young drivers to increase their awareness of accident hazards. The DVD, which is called 'Now that's what I call Worst Hits', stars streetwise cartoon characters Gaz, Shaz and Chaz and sets out the ten most common accident scenarios likely to involve young drivers - and their consequences.
Interactive DVD launched for young drivers
An interactive DVD has been launched for young drivers to increase their awareness of accident hazards. The DVD, which is called 'Now that's what I call Worst Hits', stars streetwise cartoon characters Gaz, Shaz and Chaz and sets out the ten most common accident scenarios likely to involve young drivers - and their consequences.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
