New research shows an increase in illegal driving behaviour

The number of 17-24-year-olds drug-driving has doubled from 5% to 9% in the past twelve months, according to the twenty-fourth annual RAC Report on Motoring. Altogether, 13% of this age group have driven or been a passenger in a car when the driver was under the influence of drugs over the past year.

There has also been a 50% increase in the number of 25-44-year-olds using their smartphones to access email, Facebook and Twitter behind the wheel since last year’s Report.

Given the levels of concern about road safety and increase in some dangerous driving behaviours, it is no surprise that motorists want to see tougher enforcement of the law. Nearly two thirds of motorists (61%) believe that there aren’t enough police on the roads enforcing driving laws. Likewise, 23% don’t believe they are likely to get caught if they do break motoring laws.

As well as enforcement, the majority of drivers believe many of the penalties for motoring offences are currently too light. Nearly all motorists (95%) want to see some kind of driving ban for ‘excessive’ drink or drug driving, with over half (55% and 56% respectively) wanting a driving ban for life in these instances.

The majority of drivers believe that driving bans should be issued even for one off instances of drug (73%) or drink driving (61%). Support for driving bans in cases of illegal mobile phone use behind the wheel is lower, though 42% of motorists still want to see some kind of ban for this offence. Only 4% believe illegal mobile phone use should carry no penalty or ban at all.