Almost a third of young drivers may have driven after taking illegal drugs or been in a vehicle where the driver has been under the influence, a new study has found.

More than a third (32%) of 16 to 24-year-olds believe it’s more common to drive under the influence of illegal drugs than alcohol

The study, carried out by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, also reveals that more than a third (32%) of 16 to 24-year-olds believe it’s more common to drive under the influence of illegal drugs than alcohol.

And almost a fifth (19%) of young drivers say they’re unlikely to stop a family member or friend planning to drive while under the influence of illegal drugs.

IAM RoadSmart’s most recent annual Safety Culture Report showed that motorists of all ages consider drink and drug drivers as one of the biggest risks to their personal safety.

Data published by the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed 2,500 casualties were in relation to drug-driving in 2021, a 260% increase since 2012. Meanwhile, Ministry of Justice statistics show that convictions for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs overall increased from 41,457 in 2014 to 58,117 in 2022 – up 40% despite the fall in full-time dedicated roads police officers.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at the road safety charity, said: “It’s clear more needs to be done to educate drivers of the dangers, and a robust plan from government is urgently needed on how they plan to stamp out this issue.

“One thing the Government may wish to look at is developing a separate strategy to drink-driving for drug-driving alone. Alongside this, we need more police officers conducting roadside drug-tests as well as looking at offering drug-driving rehabilitation courses, much like we do for those convicted of drink-driving.”

To learn more about IAM RoadSmart’s campaign to raise awareness and drive change to stop these trends, click here.