SRSC and ACPOS launch new Scotland-wide drug driving campaign

Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs is as dangerous and unacceptable as drink driving, according to Lewis Macdonald, Scotland’s deputy minister for enterprise, transport and lifelong learning.

Mr Macdonald was speaking at the launch of a new £180,000 drug driving television campaign targeting young drivers. The campaign is a joint initiative by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and the Scottish Road Safety Campaign (SRSC).

ACPOS and the SRSC have joined forces to tackle drug driving following research showing that one in ten people under the age of 40 has driven after using illegal drugs. The research also highlights driver ignorance of police enforcement powers and the penalties associated with drug driving.

"Our concerns about the number of people who use drugs and drive are well founded as too many people are willing to dice with death behind the wheel of their car," Mr Macdonald went on to say. "This advert will significantly raise awareness of the risks associated with drug driving. The message will hit home that, besides the very real risks of causing injury to themselves and others, those who drive under the influence of drugs are very likely to be caught as the police are well equipped to deal with drug drivers. With severe penalties my hope is that people will think twice about taking drugs at all."

The main findings of the Scottish Executive’s research on recreational drug use and driving were: drug driving is prevalent among 20 to 24 year old age group; nearly 10 per cent of drivers aged 17 to 39 have driven under the influence of illegal drugs; cannabis is the most common drug used by drug drivers.

The television campaign is currently being screened and will be repeated in October. The commercial will also be shown at cinemas later in the year.