Drug-driving no more acceptable than drink-driving
Confused.com is reminding drivers of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs.
The price comparison website believes that while drink-driving is widely acknowledged as unacceptable, driving when having taken drugs is not seen in the same light.
However, suspected offenders can be subjected to roadside tests in the same way as drink-drivers and both offences attract similar penalties, leading to increased car insurance premiums, or cover being refused.
The website’s head of motor, Will Thomas, says: “Without taking into account the devastating toll paid in terms of injury, death, a driving ban or prison time, a drug-driving offence on a licence will hit peoples’ pockets by pushing up their premiums.”
He adds: “Some insurance providers can more than double your premium following drug-driving related convictions, others won’t quote at all.”
Research for the 2009 RAC Report on Motoring suggests that 10% of young motorist have driven while under the influence of drugs.
However, the research also shows that younger drivers are less likely to drink-drive than their older counterparts.
Of the 45 to 64-year-olds questioned, 32% admitted to driving while potentially over the drink-drive limit, compared to 24% of 17 to 24-year-olds.
Category: Car Insurance News, Insurance News
Comments (2)
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Unfortunately, testing for drug driving at the moment is much less precise than for drink driving.
Some people just don’t think before they get behind the wheel, whether it’s drink, drugs, or mobile phones. Change the way people think, and deaths on the road will drop.
I drive after smoking cannabis all the time but I would never drink and drive. Seasoned cannabis smokers can drive perfectly safely while stoned. I have friends that drive much better when stoned.