Drug Driving
Driving and drugs don’t mix
Slough Borough Council’s road safety team has launched a new hard-hitting campaign aimed at warning drivers of the dangers of taking drugs and driving.
The new poster campaign, part of an ongoing programme to reduce casualties on the borough’s roads by educating people of the hazards of drink, drugs and speeding, depicts a badly damaged car on its roof with the message “Before this, the last thing Ricky rolled was a joint. Drugs and driving: it’s a lethal cocktail.”
The campaign partly came about after recent road safety checks by police where they stopped vehicles for traffic related offences and discovered the strong smell of cannabis.
This inevitably led to the vehicles being searched and drugs were found. There were obvious legal implications for those drivers found in possession of drugs and possibly driving while under the influence of drugs.
Keith Beasley, road safety officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs, but irrespective of the legal implications, from a road safety point of view, it is extremely dangerous.
“To consume any substance which alters your behaviour and state of mind and to then drive a motor vehicle is a lethal cocktail. We’ve referred to cannabis in this campaign, but many drugs can alter people’s perception of speed and distance, cause confused thinking, drowsiness and ultimately can seriously affect a driver’s reaction times.”
Commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal, Cllr James Swindlehurst added: “As a driver, if you take drugs and cause a collision where someone is killed or seriously injured, you will have to live with the guilt of that collision for the rest of your life.
“Drugs and driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving and this campaign will hopefully get the message across to people.”
WPC Melonie Powell, Road Safety Constable said “Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable and is a serious crime. If you are convicted for a drink or drug driving offence, you will not only lose your licence, have a criminal record, but you may even end up in prison.
“Those under the influence are not only putting themselves at risk but other motorists who are innocently going about their normal day to day business.”
It’s also worth remembering that some prescription and over the counter legal medicines can affect people’s driving and if in doubt, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
The campaign posters will be delivered to pubs, clubs, colleges and school sixth forms and to various businesses across the borough.
You can view the poster here
Ends
For more information, please contact Samantha Daynes on 01753 875026.