Drug-driving has become the primary danger on British roads, surpassing alcohol-impaired driving for the first time since relevant statistics have been recorded. Last year, 30,707 individuals received drug-driving endorsements on their licenses, compared to 29,981 for drink-driving offenses during the same period.
These statistics indicate a significant increase in drivers operating vehicles under the influence of drugs. Drug-driving cases rose by 28 percent from 23,981 three years prior. In contrast, drink-driving offenses decreased by 17 percent from 35,976 in 2022.
The road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has described the situation as a "drug-driving epidemic" and has called for urgent action. The Department for Transport has also acknowledged the findings, stating they are "deeply concerning."
Young drivers, aged 17-24, represent a disproportionate number of drug-driving offenses. This age group accounted for 18 percent of all drug-driving endorsements last year, despite making up only 6 percent of the total licensed drivers.
The data is derived from Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records for DG10 and DR10 endorsements, issued to drivers convicted of being above the legal limit for drugs or alcohol, respectively. It is against the law to drive if impairment is caused by legal or illegal drugs, or if certain levels of illegal drugs are present in the blood.
Convictions for drug-driving can result in a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison.
In a recent case, Daniel Tunstead, 35, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence and a three-year driving ban for offenses including drug-driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. The incident involved a police pursuit where Tunstead reached speeds of 167 mph.
Department for Transport statistics from 2024 show that 74 fatalities occurred in road crashes where drug impairment was a contributing factor.
The government's road safety strategy, published in January, includes commitments to address drug-driving, such as reviewing penalties and exploring new methods for evidence collection.
IAM RoadSmart has advocated for police to have the authority to suspend a driver's license immediately upon a failed roadside drug test, without awaiting laboratory analysis of a subsequent blood sample. Nicholas Lyes, the charity's director of policy and external communications, emphasized the need for "radical action" to protect road users and called for "a national drug-drive rehabilitation programme."
A Department for Transport spokesperson reiterated the seriousness of the issue, noting that the department is consulting on new powers to suspend licenses for suspected drug-drivers and is exploring modernized forensic testing methods, including saliva or sweat samples, to ensure swift consequences for those who endanger others on the road.