Drug Driving – Do Not Do It! - Staffordshire Smart Alert

Drug Driving – Do Not Do It!

Drug driving is illegal and carries serious penalties. It endangers you, your passengers and everyone on our roads.

It’s illegal to drive if you’re unfit due to any drug – legal or illegal.

You can be prosecuted for exceeding blood limits of 8 controlled drugs, even if your driving appears normal.

Police use roadside DrugWipe tests – a positive result means a blood test at the station.

Prescription defence: Only valid if you follow medical advice and your driving is not impaired.

Offence	Minimum Penalty
Drug driving (over limit or impaired)	12-month ban + unlimited fine + up to 6 months prison
Causing death by drug driving	Life imprisonment

Drugs slow reactions, impair judgement and reduce awareness. Cannabis, cocaine, opioids – all make crashes more likely.

2024 stats: ~90 fatal crashes in Great Britain involved drivers over the drug-drive limit. Reports up 20% in two years.

Never mix drugs with alcohol – the effects multiply.

Staffordshire Treatment & Recovery Service

St George’s Hospital, Stafford

📞 0300 124 0096
Walk-in: Mon–Fri 9am–4pm

📞 0800 304 7021
Stafford hub open daily

Peer-led group & 1-to-1 support
Contact via STaRS or Facebook

Need to talk? Call FRANK 24/7: 0300 123 6600

🚫 Never drive after using cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or ketamine – effects last 24+ hours.

⚕️ Check prescription labels for the red triangle warning.

🚌 Plan ahead – use taxis, buses or a sober driver.

❤️ Worried about someone? Encourage them to seek help today.

Message Sent By
Ross Enefer
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Tamworth)