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Drug driving menace 'widespread'

One in five people have driven a vehicle shortly after having taken drugs, a survey from motor insurer More Than suggests. And four out of 10 of those who admit to drug driving think their driving is not affected by drugs.

More Than surveyed 1,072 people, 69% of whom were in the 25-35 age bracket.

"Many people just don't realise the effects that illegal drugs have on their ability to drive," said Dr Rob Tunbridge, an independent drug impairment expert and government adviser. "This may be part of the reason why young people in particular continue to drive while impaired by drugs."

The Home Office is developing a roadside drug screening device to help police identify drug drivers. Similar devices are already in use in several countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Finland, Australia and Germany.

"We believe that roadside screening should be a practical reality within the next two years and urge the government to introduce the test without delay," said Mike Holliday-Williams, head of insurance at More Than.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk