Research commissioned by the Road Safety Authority among 17- to 34-year-olds into the use of illegal drugs while driving has highlighted alarming behaviour, with as many as one in five admitting they were a passenger in a car driven by someone under the influence of drugs. The publication of the research comes as the RSA broadcasts a new anti-drug driving TV campaign.
Noel Brett, chief executive, RSA said: “This research is extremely worrying, particularly when we see the numbers of people who willingly travelled in a car being driven by someone under the influence of drugs. Typically drug-drivers think they are better drivers while under the influence of some drugs. They also think there is a lower risk of collision compared with drink driving, overestimate their ability to compensate for impairment and demonstrate little knowledge of the effects of driving under the influence of drugs.”
How different drugs affect drivers
Cannabis
Cannabis interferes with a user’s ability or willingness to pay attention, making it extremely dangerous to drive. The ability to carry out complex tasks, such as driving, is impaired by cannabis use due to increased distractibility and impairment of motor co-ordination.
Heroin
Heroin provides a feeling of euphoria and relief of all pain, but in doing so it depresses reflexes, and co-ordination will be poor. Drivers on heroin will not be able to see properly, concentrate or react quickly enough to events on the road.
Cocaine
Cocaine brings exaggerated feelings of confidence, strength and intelligence, and judgement is severely impaired. It is a stimulant, so users are likely to be hyperactive, unable to stand still or judge time and distance accurately.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy combines a hallucinogen with a stimulant, so exaggerates all emotions. Hearing a sound may lead users to believe they can see or smell something that isn’t there. Pupils will appear dilated and users will be dazed and unco-ordinated. Balance and judgement of time and distance can also be affected.
