A recent report published by the British Medical Journal has shown that drivers who smoke cannabis within three hours of getting behind the wheel double the risk of a serious crash.

In the UK, 18% of people killed in road crashes have traces of illegal drugs in their blood, with cannabis the most common. In a recent survey by Brake and Direct Line one in nine young drivers (11%) admitted driving on illegal drugs.

Currently, there is no law against driving with illegal drugs in your body, meaning police have to prove impairment. This makes it difficult for the police to test and prosecute drivers who risk lives by drug driving and means low conviction rates compared to drink driving.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has confirmed the government intends to introduce a new drug-driving offence. He recently announced a panel of experts will advise on the technicalities of introducing the new offence, including whether it is possible to set limits equivalent to the drink drive limit. The government is also in the process of introducing drug screening devices into police stations.

Brake is urging the government to move swiftly to create a law with a zero tolerance approach, making it illegal to drive on any amount of illegal drugs. Evidence shows a range of illegal drugs affect the skills, coordination and judgement required for driving, so it is fair to assume that drivers with these drugs in their system are impaired.

Brake is also urging the government to push through type approval for roadside drug screening devices, similar to alcohol breathalysers, enabling widespread enforcement checks and a significant deterrent.