A NEW campaign by a road safety group in Gloucestershire will highlight the dangers of drug driving – after 21 drug drivers were caught out by the county’s police over the Christmas period.

Gloucestershire's Road Safety Partnership’s Drug Drive campaign, launched yesterday, follows the introduction of new drugs testing strips and a 2015 change in law that made it easier for forces to convict intoxicated drivers.

The Department for Transport estimates that drug impaired driving casualties resulted in 141 deaths and 651 serious injuries across the country in 2014.

Statistics show that men aged 17 to 34 are disproportionately represented in drug drive accidents and cannabis is the most common drug detected..

Tri-force roads policing chief inspector Yan Georgiou said: "Driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and totally irresponsible, that’s why the Road Safety Partnership is tackling the drug drive problem.

"The numbers are shocking and we know there is a lot of ignorance around the issue, particularly with young people.

"People need to know that is illegal to drive with certain drugs above specified blood levels in the body. The levels for eight drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, are set low so you are taking a significant risk if you take any quantity of these drugs and drive.

"A drug drive conviction will have a serious effect on your life including a criminal record, a minimum 12 month driving ban and an unlimited fine and could also cost you your job.”

For more information about the campaign and all other aspects of road safety please visit roadsafety-gloucestershire.org.uk.