Drug Driving and Speeding: An increasing issue for fleets

Published on November 18th, 2022 | by Sophie West

An article published by FleetNews states that the number of drivers that attended court for drug driving and speeding offences reached a record high in 2021.

This is based on the latest data analysed by the AA, showing that as drivers returned to the roads in 2021, following a year of lockdowns and travel restrictions, the number of drug driving cases increased by 54% to 21,411. Speeding cases also rose to 208,496, compared to 167,596 the year before.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Our analysis shows a shocking return to the roads after the pandemic.

“With record highs of dangerous driving, drug driving and speeding, it is a timely reminder to every driver that being behind the wheel is a serious responsibility and that poor driving can have serious consequences.

“Drug driving has increased year-on-year since records began and while more Police Forces are carrying out roadside tests, it seems some people are willing to try and chance it. We need to put more focus on this issue and eliminate it completely from our roads.

“We hope this is a short-term blight in the figures and that driving standards have improved when the 2022 statistics are announced.”

A total of 638,044 motoring cases were taken to court last year with 565,440 people found guilty, showing that 85.5% of motoring related court cases end with a conviction.

This is why company and driver handbooks play a crucial role in your business. Within this documentation you can, as part of your due dilligance under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Transport and Works Act 1992, perform regular drug and alcohol testing.

Drivers of road vehicles must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst driving, attempting to drive or when they are in charge of a vehicle.

For more information on how we can assist you with your company and driver handbooks, or drug and alcohol testing, please get in touch with our team on 01527 571611 or contact us here.