To curb the concerning rise in young drivers taking to the wheel when under the influence of drugs, the Department of Transport’s THINK! has launched a new public-safety initiative – ‘Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat.’

The campaign highlights the serious risks and consequences of deciding to drug drive. It shows how a single poor decision can impact on not only your night – but your life and entire future – and underscores the very real risks of injuring not only yourself but others.

The campaign features a video (that can be viewed here) as well as messaging on social media, digital audio and more.

Why now

The campaign is a direct answer to the rising numbers of drug driving incidents. For instance, between 2014 and 2023, there was a 70% increase in the number of deceased drivers where drugs were present. Young men were the main culprits, accounting for around 90% of motorists involved in collisions where they were impaired by drugs with four in every 10 of the drivers aged between 17 and 29.

The severity of the situation was underlined in a crackdown over the festive period between 1 December, 2023 and 1 January, 2024. Police undertook nearly 60,000 roadside tests for drink/drugs. The results? 10% of drivers tested positive for drink driving but this was dwarfed by the 42% who tested positive for drug driving.

Most shockingly, nearly 3,000 drivers were arrested for both drink and drug driving – almost double the amount from a similar operation carried out at the same time the previous year.

Big consequences

If you are found to be drug driving, you could face penalties of:

  • Minimum 12-month driving ban
  • Criminal record
  • Unlimited fine
  • Time in prison
  • Endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years

Get it right

If you are using drugs, THINK! recommends instead of getting behind the wheel:

  • Stay at a mate’s place
  • Book a cab
  • Use a ride share or designated driver app
  • Hand over your keys to a trusted friend, or leave your car behind

Know Your Code

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Main image from THINK! campaign video