More than a million UK motorists admit to drug driving

More than a million motorists in the UK may be putting the validity of their car insurance at risk by driving under the influence of illegal substances in the last year.

According to a poll by Direct Line, around 1.2 million car owners have driven after using a prohibited drug in the last 12 months, while more than 2.8 million admitted to having done so during their lifetime.

The survey found that cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy were the most common substances used by those who admitted to this offence, while it was also shown that these motorists may have distorted perceptions of their driving abilities.

Andy Goldby, director of motor underwriting at Direct Line Car Insurance, criticised this trend, stating that drug driving is just as irresponsible as drink driving.

"We strongly support the Department for Transport's decision to clamp down on drug driving and would welcome further investment in effective roadside drug tests to screen drivers," he added.

This comes in the same week that the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland announced that it will be conducting a nationwide crackdown on drink and drug driving in the coming months.

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