Driving under the influence of drink / drugs

Protecting our communities together

Driving under the influence of drink

In 2006 The Traffic Investigation Unit attended 45 Fatal Road traffic Collisions, 22% of which were alcohol related. In addition the T.I.U. were called to 81 serious injury collisions, 11% of which were alcohol related. Although these statistics are only based on the 126 most serious collisions which occurred during the year they make sobering reading. Any amount of alcohol can impair reaction times and the consequences can be devastating, as the previous years statistics affirm.

There's no fast way to get alcohol out of your system - a shower, cup of coffee or other ways of `sobering up' will just not help.

Driving under the influence of drugs

Driving under the influence of drugs - whether prescribed medication or illegal substances - is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. It's also against the law. Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean you aren't able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last for hours or even days.

How drugs affect driving

Slower reaction times Poor concentration Sleepiness/fatigue Confused thinking Distorted perception Over confidence, so you take unnecessary risks Impaired co-ordination Erratic behaviour Nausea Hallucinations Blurred vision/enlarged pupils Aggression Panic attacks and paranoia Tremors Dizziness Cramps