Consumed alcohol or used drugs? Don't drive

Drivers and riders have a legal responsibility to comply with the law on drink and drug driving. Impairment significantly

increases the risk of collisions and can have devastating consequences.

As we enter the festive season and this time of celebration, Road Safety Wales is highlighting the importance of making

the right choices to ensure that everyone arrives home safely.

Alcohol gives a false sense of confidence, judgement will be affected, reflex responses are decreased, and reaction times

are slower.

If you intend to drive or ride a vehicle, avoid alcohol altogether. This is the only way you can be certain that you are under the drink drive limit. Leave your vehicle at home and before you go out make plans about how to get back

saving the number of a local taxi provider in your phone or downloading a taxi app can save time and hassle later.

Although many people have an awareness of the dangers of drink driving, some may be less familiar with the effects that both legal and illegal drugs have on their ability to drive safely, and within the law.

It is an offence for someone to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified Ilevel in the blood - this includes

illegal and medical drugs. If it impairs their driving, it is also unlawful for someone to drive with legal drugs in their body,

such as those prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter. A doctor, pharmacist or other medical professional can

let you know whether any medication could affect your driving.

Illegal drugs should always be avoided, but unfortunately a minority of people choose to break the law. Cannabis can

lead to impaired concentration, slower reactions and paranoia. Cocaine can lead to increased aggression, increased risk

taking and over confidence:

Rhys John-Howes, Chair of Road Safety Wales, said: The effects of a drug may be relatively short-lived, but they can

remain in your system for many hours after you have used them - some drugs can stay in the body for several days.

Even when the drug feels like it has worn off, it can s.till be detected in your system

in saliva, blood or urine - for a

longer period of time.

""Driving after using drugs is unacceptable and puts all road users at risk.

Superintendent Jolene Mann, Head of Specialist Operations, Dyfed Powys Police, said: "Every year, drug drivers are involved in serious and fatal collisions in Wales. Most people don't think it willhappen to them, but drugs and driving are a deadly combination, even if you believe you are fine to drive or haven't been involved in a collision when driving under-the-influence on a previous occasion.

"Through Operation Revoke, in conjunction with the DVLA, we are targeting drivers who use drugs and ensuring their driving licences are revoked."

Throughout the festive period, the national #OpLimit campaign will see police forces using local knowledge of hotspots

to identify people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drink and drug driving is selfish and inexcusible. If you have consumed alcohol or used drugs, don't drive

If you are a drug user, or have concerns about someone else' S drug use, engaging in a conversation about it can feel

tough, but support is available.

The Wales Drug & Alcohol Helpline (DAN 24/7) is available to people who live in Wales and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

For a confidential chat or advice on accessing local and regional services, call: 0808 808 2234.

17 Dec 2024