drugs and road safety
drugs and driving
Drugs are illegal. You probably know this. What you may not realise, is that driving
when unfit through drugs is also illegal. Both illegal and prescription drugs can impair your ability
to control a vehicle. The way the individual is affected will vary and will depend on the combination
and quantity of drugs used. If alcohol has been taken this will increase the affect of the drug.
It is never ok to drive when you have taken drugs. Don't take the easy option and
put yourself and other people at risk.
drugs and the pedestrian
Certain types of drugs affect the Central Nervous System or can cause hallucinations.
The ability of the brain to make decisions becomes distorted. You may not be able to judge the speed
of vehicles, or their distance from you. This may increase the risk of you being injured on the road.
View details of our current campaign on the effect of drugs on driving.
You'll get smashed if you drive on drugs
.drugs and the law
classes
There are three classes of drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971.
class A
Opium, Cocaine, Crack, Ecstacy, Heroin, LSD (acid), Magic mushrooms - when prepared
(dried, cooked, made into tea etc) and Amphetamines (speed) - if prepared for injection.
The maximum penalty for possession is seven years prison and/or a fine.
Possession with intent to supply incurs a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and /or a fine.
Possession with intent to supply incurs a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and /or a fine.
class B
Amphetamines (speed), Barbiturates and Codeine.
The maximum penalty for possession is five years prison and/or a fine.
Possession with intent to supply incurs a maximum penalty of 14 years prison and /or a fine.
Possession with intent to supply incurs a maximum penalty of 14 years prison and /or a fine.
class C
Most anabolic steroids, Cannabis, Tranquilisers (including Royhpnol), DF 118 (painkillers)
and GBH.
The maximum penalty for possession is two years prison and/or a fine.
Possession with intent to supply incurs a maximum penalty of 14 years prison and
/or a fine.
risks
Everyone reacts to drugs differently. Things such as past exposure, genetic makeup
and quality of the drug will influence the effect they have on you. However there are some general observations
we can make
- Depressant drugs (downers such as aerosols, gases and glues) tend to slow reactions and reduce concentration.
- Stimulants (uppers such as speed, anabolic steroids, cocaine, crack and ecstasy) might make drivers over-confident and aggressive.
- Hallucinogens (cannabis, ketamine, LSD and magic musrooms) might cause you to eract erratically to imaginery obstacles or sounds. Drivers under the influence of cannabis find it difficult to stay in one lane on the road and may be unaware that they are drifting into the path of oncoming traffic.
All
drugs will impair your ability to drive. Complex driving situations such as busy roads will be more
difficult to negotiate.
For further information on drugs, click on http://www.lifebytes.gov.uk/drugs/drugs_facts.html
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