Drug driving overtakes drink driving in Cumbria
58 per cent of cases were related to drugs.
New stats have shown that drug driving has overtaking drink driving in Cumbria.
During 2022-2023, 1,424 arrests were made for drink and drug driving offences in Cumbria, 58 per cent of which were related to drug driving.
In the last 12 months 32 per cent of people drug swiped have resulted in 313 arrests. The highest number of positive drug swipe tests occurred in the 20–36-year-old age range.
Cumbria Police are now warning drivers of the dangers drug driving can have to yourself, and to the public. As well as this they are keen to set out the penalties that can be awarded to those found breaking the law.
If you are convicted of drug driving, you may get:
• a minimum 1 year driving ban
• an unlimited fine
• up to 51 weeks in prison
• a criminal record
Inspector Pete Godden said: "We are now better able than ever before to detect drug driving offences and get drivers who are unfit to be behind the wheel due to drug misuse off the road before they harm themselves or others.
"Like drink-driving, getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs can have catastrophic and life-changing, or even life-ending, consequences.
"Testing for drug driving is now used commonly alongside drink-drive roadside tests and the penalties are substantial – a 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison. Our officers will continue to target anyone who putting the lives of other road users at risk, as we work with our partners towards our Vision Zero goal of reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads to nil."