A significant rise in fatalities linked to drug-driving incidents in the UK has been recorded, prompting renewed calls for policy reform and enforcement improvements. Data released by the Department for Transport revealed that in the most recent reporting period, 9.1% of fatal collisions involved drivers under the influence of impairing substances — an increase from 6.2% the previous year, and a threefold rise over the past decade.
In 2025, a total of 189 drivers who died in road traffic incidents were found to have had drugs in their system, compared to 171 with alcohol present. Of those, 153 were found to have been more than twice the legal limit for controlled substances. Under UK law, it is an offence to drive with specified levels of certain drugs in the blood — including prescribed medications — if they impair driving ability.
The maximum custodial sentence currently available for drug-driving offences is six months. However, since 2022, individuals convicted of causing death by dangerous driving may receive life imprisonment, following a legislative change that increased the previous limit of 14 years.
The campaign to strengthen these laws was led in part by Johnny Wood, whose sister, Jacqueline Wileman, died in 2018 after being struck by a lorry in Brierley, near Barnsley. The vehicle, later found to contain drug-related paraphernalia and stolen fuel, was involved in multiple collisions before embedding itself in the wall of a house. Ms Wileman, 58, died at the scene. Four individuals were charged in connection with the incident and received sentences ranging from 10.5 to 13 years.
Mr Wood, supported by MPs from both major parties, subsequently campaigned for harsher sentencing for driving-related fatalities. Although the new law does not apply retroactively to those convicted in his sister’s case, the change was achieved in June 2022.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the supervision of those released on licence. Mr Wood reported that the offenders in his sister’s case were released after serving half of their terms and that he was not notified when one violated geographic restrictions imposed by the court.
Former traffic police officer and road safety advocate John Scruby echoed concerns over rising drug-driving trends. Mr Scruby, now affiliated with the organisations SCARD and CADD, attributed part of the increase to the proliferation of substances such as nitrous oxide, which he described as difficult to detect without direct observation.
He also pointed to a long-term reduction in proactive road traffic policing. During his early service in the 1980s and 1990s, multiple officers would be deployed per shift. In later years, numbers reportedly dropped substantially. The increased reliance on cameras, he noted, has limited the ability to detect drug use behind the wheel.
Mr Scruby has called for a public awareness campaign similar to that which reduced drink-driving incidents following legislative changes in the late 1960s. The number of drink-driving-related deaths has decreased from 1,640 annually in 1967 to fewer than 200, largely due to education and enforcement. He argued that similar initiatives are needed to combat drug-impaired driving.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating:
“Every death on our roads is a tragedy and the safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this Government. Our well-established THINK! campaign is designed to reduce the number of those killed and injured on our roads. More needs to be done in this space, which is why we are committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy — the first in over a decade.”
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.
