Nearly 1 in 10 Scots admits driving after taking drugs

MOTORISTS in Scotland are the most likely in the UK to get behind the wheel after taking drugs – but the least likely to drink and drive.

A poll showed 9 per cent of drivers north of the Border – almost one in 10 – admitted drug-driving, compared with 7 per cent across the UK. The RAC survey found 27 per cent of motorists in Scotland owned up to drink driving, two percentage points lower than the UK.

The findings, in the RAC's annual motoring report, came as police reported an increase in the number of motorists caught under the influence of drugs during the first week of Scotland's summer drink-drugs driving campaign.

The total went up to nine – one more than in the first week of last year's campaign. Drink-drive cases fell by 17 per cent, to 122.

The RAC called for action to raise awareness of the effect of drugs, including prescription medicines, and for roadside drug testing equipment for police to be swiftly introduced.

Such equipment is being developed by the Home Office but its use has still to be approved.

Adrian Tink, an RAC motoring strategist, said: "This year's report shows a worrying attitude to drug-driving, especially when you consider the number of fatal accidents in the UK involving drugs has increased by 28 per cent from 2005-7.

"The government needs to listen to the voice of the motorist. They want clear, accessible information on the effects of drugs, and the introduction of effective roadside testing equipment for police as soon as possible."

Neil Greig, policy and research director of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said the report showed the need for prompt action. He said: "This report confirms drugs and drink-driving are top concerns for Scottish drivers. The top priority is the development of a roadside screening device."

Kathleen Braidwood, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "We support a new offence of driving with an illegal drug in the body because this would make enforcement much easier. Currently, the police have to show a motorist's driving was impaired and that they had taken illegal drugs."

The Scottish Government said it had called for drug testing equipment in its road safety strategy published last month. A spokeswoman said: "We believe there needs to be Home Office approval for a 'drugalyser' to combat drug-driving."

The Department for Transport is preparing a drug-driving education campaign. A spokesman said: "Thirty years of government campaigns have made drink-driving socially unacceptable, but we know we need to ensure that everyone understands that driving when impaired by drugs is just as dangerous and carries the same tough legal penalties.

"That is why we are launching a major new advertising campaign this summer to highlight the issue and dispel the many myths with fact."

MOTHER CAUGHT

A MOTHER caught behind the wheel while more than twice the drink-drive limit had her three-month-old baby girl asleep on the back seat.

The 26-year-old was seen driving erratically in Edinburgh early last Thursday. She was stopped in Baileyfield Road, Portobello, and is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at the end of the month.

She was among 122 motorists caught during the first week of Scotland's summer drink-drug driving campaign, which continues until next Monday.

Other cases included a 30-year-old woman found to be three times the limit in Dundee.