Drugs and Driving: A Combination That Can Be Fatal

Drug use and driving do not mix well, and the consequences can be dramatic. Every year, more than 700 people are killed on the roads in accidents involving a driver under the influence of drugs, representing one in five fatal accidents. Despite this, the effects of drugs while driving are often underestimated by drivers, with consequences that can be tragic. Drug use is not only illegal but also a real danger to oneself and other road users.

 

The effects of drugs on driving

Each type of drug affects driving ability differently:

• Cannabis causes drowsiness, slows movement coordination, lengthens reaction time, and diminishes visual and auditory faculties.

• Ecstasy masks the sensation of fatigue, impairs mental abilities, and gives a deceptive sense of control, encouraging irrational behavior.

• Cocaine trigger aggressive driving, reduce attention and judgment, which can lead to loss of vehicle control.

• Opiates (such as opium and morphine) reduce alertness, slow down quick decision-making, and decrease danger awareness.

• Hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, Psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline) cause perception disorders, illusions, and feelings of confusion or anxiety, which can escalate to a panic attack.

These effects seriously compromise the ability to respond appropriately to road events, significantly increasing the risk of serious accidents.

 

Severe penalties

Driving under the influence of drugs exposes one to severe penalties. In case of a positive test, drivers risk up to two years in prison and a €4,500 fine, as well as losing six points on their driving license. In case of repeat offenses or if drug use is combined with alcohol, penalties can reach three years in prison and a €9,000 fine, with vehicle confiscation and license cancellation.

Moreover, insurers can also take measures against drivers involved in an accident under the influence of drugs, including raising premiums, terminating the insurance contract, or reducing compensation.

 

Increasingly frequent checks

Law enforcement officers, during road checks, can carry out drug screening tests, even in the absence of an accident or offense. These tests, often saliva-based, can detect substances such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and ecstasy within minutes. In the case of fatal or bodily injury accidents, these screenings are systematic and mandatory, involving all drivers, including cyclists and scooter users.

Refusing to submit to these tests results in the same penalties as a positive test.

 

A multiplied risk in the presence of alcohol

The combined use of cannabis and alcohol multiplies the risk of causing a fatal accident by 29. Indeed, these two substances each have separately dangerous effects on driving, and their combination amplifies them exponentially.

 

Safe alternatives: Never take the risk

To avoid the risks associated with driving under the influence of drugs, it is essential to consider safe alternatives. If you have consumed drugs, even in small amounts, it is better to find another way to get home. Here are some options to consider:

 

Designate a sober driver: Before going out, choose someone who will not consume drugs or alcohol to be your designated driver.

Use public transportation: Public transport is a safe and convenient alternative, especially if you plan to consume.

Call a taxi or rideshare service: Ridesharing apps or taxis are available in most urban areas, offering a simple solution to avoid driving.

Stay put: If possible, stay put until you are fit to drive again, ensuring that the drug is completely eliminated from your body.

 

The importance of awareness

Prevention involves raising awareness. It is crucial that everyone becomes aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and the potentially devastating consequences for their own life, that of passengers, and other road users. Regular awareness campaigns, as well as educating young drivers, can help reduce the incidence of these dangerous behaviors.

As a committed player in prevention, AMA Prévention strives to provide effective solutions to promote road safety. By offering reliable screening tests, AMA Prévention helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions and avoid putting their own lives and those of others at risk. Prevention is the key to a safer future, where roads are less deadly and driving is responsible.

To learn more about our screening solutions, visit our website or contact our customer service for personalized advice.