Rutland road users urged to check prescription medication, after rise in drug drivers
Reports of drug drivers have doubled across the UK in the last year, figures show
Last updated 27th Apr 2023
Rutland road users are being urged to check their prescription medication before getting behind the wheel.
New figures from the road safety charity IAM RoadSmart show the numbers of reported drug drivers have doubled in UK in the last year to over 20,000.
Statistics show one in every three drivers are unknowingly risking their lives on roads by being under the influence of prescription drugs.
Over a quarter of us (31%) don't know how long they should wait to drive after taking over-the-counter drugs, while over a fifth rarely (14%) or never (8%) check if their medicine will impact their ability to drive.
'Speak to your doctor'
Jonathan Clarkson, from Leicestershire and Rutland's Road Safety Partnership, says it's a crime to drive under the influence of drugs, regardless of whether they're legal or not:
'It's very important to speak to your doctor, discuss any new medication, to talk about the side effects. Some of this medication can make you drowsy, less alert.'
'You should especially talk to your doctor if you've been prescribed drugs like: amphetamine, diazepam, methadone, morphine, or opiate and opiate-based drugs such as codeine, tramadol and fentanyl and temazepam.'
'If you're convicted of drug driving, you could get a minimum of a one year driving ban and an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.'