The Department for Transport has launched its Think! Campaign for summer putting the spotlight on drug driving.

Returning to a theme it first launched last year, the message is ‘don’t put drugs in the driving seat’.

The campaign will be seen throughout July and August on posters in public spaces, social media, radio and cinemas, aligning with when drug driving collisions spike in the summer months.  

Drug driving remains a significant road safety issue. Last year, 21,791 drug drivers were convicted in England and Wales, continuing an upward trend since roadside drug testing was introduced 10 years earlier. In addition, data shows a 70% increase in driver fatalities where drugs were present between 2014 and 2023.

Young men are particularly at risk, with around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions being male, and four in 10 aged between 17 and 29. 

It highlights the serious consequences for people if they do choose to drive on drugs, from losing their licence and their livelihood to placing themselves and others at risk of being killed or seriously injured.

Surveys reveal young drivers are making moment-by-moment decisions weighing convenience against perceived risks, often underestimating the dangers due to misconceptions such as: 

• Cannabis improves driving ability by making them “more cautious” 
• Cocaine sobers you up, so you’re safe to drive 
• They can assess their own impairment levels accurately 

The campaign aims to increase awareness of the risks and legal consequences of drug driving, challenge myths, particularly that certain drugs make people better or safer drivers and encourage people to plan and avoid driving after taking drugs.