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One in seven young drivers on drugs, Brake says

More than one in seven (14%) of young drivers aged 17-25 admit putting lives at risk by driving after taking illegal drugs, according to a survey of 1,150 young people by the road safety charity, Brake.

Of those who admitted driving on drugs, one in 10 said they did so after consuming alcohol as well. Brake says that it is likely that even more young drivers drive on drugs, as some of those surveyed are likely to have failed to admit law-breaking. Nearly nine in 10 of the young drug-drivers surveyed said they also carry passengers when driving on drink or drugs.

The survey results come just days after a coroner branded drivers who have smoked cannabis as even more dangerous than drunk-drivers, while speaking at the inquest of a four year-old who was killed by a 19 year-old driver who had smoked cannabis. Isabella Hill died after Barnaby Pearce - who had smoked two joints earlier that day - crashed into her grandfather's car at nearly 80mph.

A study carried out on behalf of the Government shows driving on illegal drugs has increased massively over past decades, and Brake says the practice is 'now endemic in our society'. 18% of drivers who died behind the wheel in the period 1996-2000 had illegal drugs in their system, compared to 3% during the period 1985-1988. The latest figures from the study are due to be released later this year.

Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake, says: "It's high time that young people were made to realise the horrific consequences of drink and drugged driving. 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 provides free volunteer-led presentations to young people in schools, colleges and youth groups. Youth workers, educators and volunteers interested in getting involved in the scheme can call Brake on 01484 559909, email iwanttohelp@brake.org.uk, or go to www.brake.org.uk.

Brake has also produced a leaflet on the dangers of drink and drugged driving for driving instructors and other professionals who work with young drivers. Call 01484 559909 to order.