Drug-driving hits an all-time high as road safety charities warn of ‘epidemic’

The number of motorists drug-driving has hit a record high with the offence piling pressure on A&Es and the courts, figures suggest.

Road safety charities warn the dangerous behaviour is putting the drivers, their passengers and members of the public at serious risk of harm.

They are calling on ministers to clamp down on offenders, who may drive erratically or see their reaction times slowed as a result of the narcotics.

Almost 2,500 people were injured in accidents linked to drug-driving in 2021, which is up more than 260 per cent since 2012, according to the Department for Transport.

Meanwhile, the number of convictions are increasing year on year to 12,500 in 2019, Criminal Justice System Statistics show.

Charli Charalambous, who was caught behind the wheel when she was eight times the drug driving limit following a cocaine binge the night before, was this month handed a £120 fine and banned from the roads for 12 months

Road safety charities warn the dangerous behaviour is putting the drivers, their passengers and members of the public at serious risk of harm

Nearly half of these crimes (44 per cent) are perpetrated by repeat offenders, with many cases occurring within one year.