Drug-driving fatalities up 164 per cent in the last decade

4 min read
  • Cocaine and cannabis are the most common drugs detected in deceased drivers
  • Eight per cent of all road fatalities can be linked to drug driving
  • Deceased drivers aged 20 – 29 are the most likely to test positive for illegal drugs

Fatalities linked to drug driving1 on UK roads have increased by 164 per cent in less than a decade, from 47 in 2014 to 124 in 2023, reveals analysis of new Government data2 by Direct Line motor insurance. Drug driving deaths accounted for eight per cent of all road fatalities last year (2023: 1,624 total fatalities)3.

The analysis revealed an increase in overall collisions attributed to drug driving, up 170 per cent in less than a decade, from 684 in 2014 to 1,853 in 2023. Over the period analysed cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cannabis, morphine and ketamine were the most common drugs detected in deceased drivers4. A powerful stimulant, cocaine, can impair people’s judgement leading to reckless over confidence, while cannabis can slow reaction time, reduce coordination and distort people’s perception of the road.  The most common age group for deceased drivers to test positive for illegal drugs was 20-29, followed by those aged 30-39.

In the 12 months to the year ending March 2023, approximately 3.1m (9.5 per cent) of those aged 16 to 59 were reported to be using illicit drugs, with such widespread use helping account for the number of accidents caused by people driving whilst impaired by drugs rising steadily5. Drugs, whether legal or prescription medication, can impact a driver in a variety of ways including one’s ability to judge distances, reaction times, lead to blurry or impaired vision, aggression, erratic behaviour, hallucinations, dizziness and nausea6.

Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance said: “Anyone that gets behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs is making a terrible decision, which can have life-altering consequences for themselves and other road users. While there is a common misconception that some illegal drugs can keep you alert, consumption is not only illegal, but can also impact driving abilities significantly.

“Alongside taking illegal drugs, it is also illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive after taking legal prescription medication, if it impairs your driving6. Penalties vary from a minimum of a year driving ban, fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Car insurance costs will also significantly increase so speak to your doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel when taking medication.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.      “Drugs” refers to both illicit and medicinal in this study

2.      Reported road collisions, vehicles and casualties tables for Great Britain - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

3.      Reported road casualties Great Britain, annual report: 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

4.      Drugs in reported road fatalities in Great Britain, data to 2022: summary - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). 2023 data not yet released for this

5.      https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2023 (England and Wales data)

6.      https://www.btp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/alcohol-drug-driving/

7.      https://www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07808 727280

Direct Line

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