Millions ‘are driving while high on drugs’

Some 2.8 million people have driven while under the influence of drugs, with four in 10 of these doing so within the past 12 months, a survey showed.

But one in three drug drivers still thought they were “very safe” or “quite safe” with just one in five admitting they were a danger on the road.

The poll of more than 2,000 people showed one in 10 drug drivers thought they would get away with it.

One in 20 admitted breaking the speed limit while high on drugs, with the same proportion admitting being involved in accidents.

The survey, carried out for Direct Line car insurance, found seven per cent of the UK’s 49.1 million adults admitted to driving having taken drugs. Of these, 41 per cent – 1.1 million people – had done so in the past year.

In the last 12 months, one in three drug drivers had used cannabis, one in seven had taken cocaine and one in 10 Ecstasy before taking to the roads.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line, said: “Drug-driving is as irresponsible as drink-driving.

“The dangers of drug drivers on our roads are becoming increasingly apparent, with thousands admitting they have been involved in an accident while high or stoned.

“The effects of drugs can often leave people feeling overly confident or extremely relaxed, both of which are known to lead to dangerous driving behaviours.”