Official figures have revealed that drug driving in Scotland has been linked to 250 road accidents in the past 5 years, including 21 deaths.
In 2015, drug driving related accidents reached its highest level of 65.
These figures have followed an analysis of road accident data where police have given their opinion as to factors contributing to the accident.
In recent months, the Scottish Government has been criticised by not keeping up with England and Wales and introducing a drugalyser road side test.
In February 2017, the Sunday Herald newspaper, revealed research showing the same amount of drivers had died in road accidents following taking cannabis as those who had been drinking.
A spokesman for road safety charity Brake!, said: “The number of road crashes affected by individuals under the influence of drugs is worrying.
“As a charity that works closely with those bereaved by a road death, we see the devastating consequences of crashes caused by those driving under the influence and recognise the need to raise awareness of how people choosing to drink or take drugs are hindering their ability to drive safely.
“Brake is calling for zero tolerance on drink or drug driving from the Scottish government and the wider public. We are calling for stronger legislation, more roadside testing and greater resources for the police to enforce a ban on drug and drink driving.”
David Stewart, Labour MSP for Highland and Islands and a veteran road safety campaigner, said he was planning to formally meet with justice secretary Michael Matheson soon over the issue.
Stewart said: “Clearly drug-driving contributes to accidents according to Transport Scotland reports and I welcome any movement from the government.
“I would be hopeful we could have both drug-driving limits and enhanced instruments – such as the drugs equivalent of breathalyser for police – which would aid detection on the roadside.
“The main issue is to have a deterrent so people considering driving who are impaired because of drugs – either prescription or not – will think twice.”
Justice secretary Michael Matheson said: “The Scottish Government prioritised lowering the drink-driving limit in 2014 as evidence showed such a policy could help save lives.
“Scotland has long standing legislation used by Police Scotland, prosecutors and our courts that makes it an offence to drive while being impaired due to drugs.
“We are considering very carefully whether evidence shows that specific drug driving limits should be introduced in Scotland and this consideration will include evaluation of the evidence of the impact of drug driving limits that have been introduced in England and Wales.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
