Drug-driving deaths up 164 per cent in the last decade, cocaine and cannabis most common

Deaths caused by drug driving have rocketed by 164 per cent in the last decade, official records show.

Drug-driving fatalities now account for eight per cent of deaths on the roads, with cocaine and cannabis being the most common substances detected.

Analysis of the latest road casualty data in the UK shows that there were 47 fatal accidents involving drugs in 2014, but by 2023 it had risen to 124 crashes.

According to the Government data, there was a 38 per cent hike in drug-fuelled fatal accidents in just 12 months between 2022- 2023.

Drivers aged between aged 20 – 29 were the most likely to test positive for illegal drugs — an age group that also has a higher prevalence of drug use. 

Cocaine — used by 5.1 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 years — is a powerful simulant which can impair people’s judgement leading to reckless over confidence

The analysis by Direct Line Motor Insurance reveals an increase in overall collisions attributed to drug driving, up 170 per cent in less than a decade, from 684 in 2014 to 1,853 in 2023.

In the 12 months to the year ending March 2023, approximately 3.1million people aged 16 to 59 (9.5 per cent of the population) were reported to be using illicit drugs in England and Wales, which may account for the dramatic rise in the number of accidents caused by people driving whilst impaired by drugs. 

However, the prevalence of drug use was higher in people aged 16 to 24 in the same period, with around 1million people (17.6 per cent of the population) reporting any drug use. 

Over the period analysed cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cannabis, morphine and ketamine were the most common drugs detected in deceased drivers.

Cocaine — used by 5.1 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 years — is a powerful simulant which can impair people’s judgement leading to reckless over confidence.

Cannabis — which is the most used drug in England and Wales and used by 15.4 per cent of people aged 16 to 24 — can slow reaction time, reduce coordination and distort people’s perception of the road. 

Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance said: ‘Anyone that gets behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs is making a terrible decision, which can have life-altering consequences for themselves and other road users.

‘While there is a common misconception that some illegal drugs can keep you alert, consumption is not only illegal, but can also impact driving abilities significantly.

‘Alongside taking illegal drugs, it is also illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive after taking legal prescription medication, if it impairs your driving.

‘Penalties vary from a minimum of a year driving ban, fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.’