19/06/2003

Drug driving is not 'a safe trip'

Ahead of next week's Glastonbury Festival, drivers have been reminded that drug driving is "not a safe trip".

Road Safety Minister David Jamieson warned that drugs can affect a driver's judgement, co-ordination, control of the vehicle, and can lead to severe fatigue. The warning also coincides with the launch of a new website to educate drivers and their passengers about the dangers of driving after using drugs.

The website, www.drugdrive.co.uk, is the government's first campaign to raise awareness of the impairment effects of drugs when driving.

Aimed at 17 to 30-year-olds the website gives information on the effects of different drugs, their impact on driving and contact details for more information.

Mr Jamieson said: "Illegal drugs can affect your ability to drive. Whilst the dangers of drink driving are well known, people are less aware of the risks of driving when impaired through drugs.

"By raising awareness about the dangers of drug driving - I hope people will think twice before risking their own life and the lives of others."

The Government will be promoting the drug driving message and website at the Glastonbury Festival on 27 to 29 June - warning the estimated 150,000 revellers of the risks of driving when impaired through drugs.

Signs will be positioned in the Glastonbury car parks, and reminder cards handed out highlighting the dangers of driving while impaired through drugs to drivers and their passengers entering the site. The cards have been designed to advise them of their car park location while giving a reminder of the dangers of drug driving.

(GMcG)

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