Video: Here's proof that legal drugs can make your driving unsafe

DRIVERS in West Yorkshire are being warned they could be impaired by legal drugs as police begin their Christmas road safety campaign.

With the festive blitz on drug and drink driving underway, officers will be out across the force to catch anyone who takes to the roads when they are not fit to do so.

West Yorkshire Police are reminding people that legal drugs such as antidepressants, antihistamines and some cold and flu remedies can have an adverse affect on driving if mixed with other drugs or alcohol.

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Last year over 2,400 people in West Yorkshire were stopped in the run up to and during the festive period.

Chief Inspector Elizabeth Belton, who leads road policing for West Yorkshire Police, said: "One driver being stopped on suspicion of being under the influence of drink or drugs is one too many. We want to continue to bring this figure down and to remind people of the consequences of their actions.

"In particular, we want to educate people about drug driving and specifically that it's not just illegal drugs that can impair drivers but some prescription and over the counter drugs.

"I don't want my officers to have to go and break the news to a family that one of their loved ones won't be home for Christmas this year because they've been killed by a driver under the influence of drink or drugs."

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Throughout December police in West Yorkshire are looking at four different aspects of the crime -drug driving, drink driving, morning after driving and finally the consequences of drug and drink driving.

The chief inspector said: "I want to take this opportunity to remind motorists that our officers will be out in force and that we will be able to tell if you're under the influence of drugs or drink.

"If you're convicted of such an offence you could serve time in prison.

She added: "I want you to stop and think about it - is it really worth getting behind the wheel of your car if you've been drinking or have taken drugs? Think about all the victims and their families and think about the consequences that others will face because of your actions. Finally, think about how you would feel if you answered the door to a police officer with bad news."