21/11/2025
Hard-Hitting Campaign Targeting Rise In Drug Driving Launches
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has launched a new hard-hitting advertising campaign designed to confront what officials describe as a growing and deeply concerning rise in drug driving.
The initiative follows early findings from a year-long roadside DrugWipes pilot, which indicate that roughly half of those tested by police returned positive results for cannabis and/or cocaine. According to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the figures highlight an urgent need for greater public awareness and stronger deterrence.
The campaign, which will run across television, radio, digital platforms and outdoor media, focuses particularly on younger motorists and others deemed most at risk. It aims to challenge misconceptions around drug use and driving, while emphasising the potentially devastating consequences.
Speaking at the launch, Ms Kimmins said: "Driving under the influence of drugs is reckless, dangerous, and completely unacceptable. The campaign challenges behaviours of drug drivers and directly tackles popular beliefs by showcasing consequences of drug driving.
"We must break the mindset for those who think it is ok to take drugs and drive, and this campaign sends a strong message, ‘There is no place for drugs behind the wheel’.
"Road safety is a priority for me and I want to do all I can to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely. Drug driving is a growing issue and this campaign will run across TV, radio, digital platforms, and outdoor media, with a focus on raising awareness among younger drivers and those most at risk.
"My department has also type-approved drug wipes, which makes it possible for the PSNI to use drug wipes to detect the presence of drugs at the roadside. Roadside drug testing is a powerful enforcement tool but of course we don’t want it to be necessary, which is why this campaign is so important.
"I would encourage everyone to share this and other road safety messaging to help protect lives on our roads. Too many lives are being lost and too many families are having their worlds shattered and we must all do everything we can to ensure no one receives that awful news."
The initiative follows early findings from a year-long roadside DrugWipes pilot, which indicate that roughly half of those tested by police returned positive results for cannabis and/or cocaine. According to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the figures highlight an urgent need for greater public awareness and stronger deterrence.
The campaign, which will run across television, radio, digital platforms and outdoor media, focuses particularly on younger motorists and others deemed most at risk. It aims to challenge misconceptions around drug use and driving, while emphasising the potentially devastating consequences.
"We must break the mindset for those who think it is ok to take drugs and drive, and this campaign sends a strong message, ‘There is no place for drugs behind the wheel’.
"Road safety is a priority for me and I want to do all I can to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely. Drug driving is a growing issue and this campaign will run across TV, radio, digital platforms, and outdoor media, with a focus on raising awareness among younger drivers and those most at risk.
"My department has also type-approved drug wipes, which makes it possible for the PSNI to use drug wipes to detect the presence of drugs at the roadside. Roadside drug testing is a powerful enforcement tool but of course we don’t want it to be necessary, which is why this campaign is so important.
"I would encourage everyone to share this and other road safety messaging to help protect lives on our roads. Too many lives are being lost and too many families are having their worlds shattered and we must all do everything we can to ensure no one receives that awful news."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 July 2023
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
Road Safety Warning Amid Increase In Careless Driving Deaths
New statistics have revealed that 57% of people killed or seriously injured on NI roads in 2021 were the result of careless driving. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has highlighted a steady increase in the number of careless driving deaths each year and has called on road users to 'redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention'.
01 March 2017
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
New Ad Campaign Launched To Encourage Reporting Of Drug Dealing
A major ad campaign has been launched urging the public to report drug dealing to Crimstoppers. The campaign, which will feature viral videos alongside bus, adshel, online and radio advertising, aims to highlight the damage drugs do to individuals, families and communities.
17 December 2010
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
Many Arrests In Gardaí Drugs Raids
A total of 45 people have been arrested in the past 48 hours in Gardaí a crackdown on the sale and supply of heroin and 'crack' cocaine in the Dublin region. The operation, which involved Garda drug units from Kevin Street, Pearse Street and Store Street stations, resulted in 150 charges being brought, according to Gardaí this morning.
27 January 2005
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
Research reveals extent of drug use in NI
A new report into behavioural habits of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland has found that almost one in three people who use needles to inject drugs have been diagnosed with Hepatitus C.
11 November 2024
New Road Safety Campaign Warns Of Drink Driving Dangers
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has unveiled a new public information campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drink driving, particularly during the upcoming festive season. The campaign, titled 'RoadWise Up', aims to highlight the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
New Road Safety Campaign Warns Of Drink Driving Dangers
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has unveiled a new public information campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with drink driving, particularly during the upcoming festive season. The campaign, titled 'RoadWise Up', aims to highlight the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.