THINK! have launched their latest campaign targeting drug drivers, in a bid to raise awareness about the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drugs.

Drug users often don't give any thought to the impairing effect of the substance they have taken which will increase their chances of being involved in a road accident.

Estimates are that up to 20% of driver fatalities from road accidents could have traces of an impairing drug in their system.

Even though drug driving is perceived as unacceptable, as is drink driving by the general public, one in ten male drivers own up to having taken an illegal drug prior to driving.

The first phase of the THINK! Drug Drive campaign will focus on illegal drug driving, and how it will impair the driver’s ability, and how police are trained to recognise the signs of drug usage, particularly in relation to the signs eyes give off.

This will be followed by a second phase highlighting the dangers of driving whilst taking some prescription drugs.

Phase two hopes to make health professionals more aware of the possible consequences of drug effects on drivers and encourage them to communicate this, and to encourage the consumer to ask about any possible effects to their driving ability.

The primary target for the campaign is 18-35 year old recreational drug users, with the secondary audience being the general public.

The message is not to tackle illegal drug taking, but to highlight the dangers and prevent drivers driving after taking illegal drugs and impairing prescription drugs.

The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving, an automatic minimum 12 month ban, and a fine of up to £5,000. In some cases up to 6 months in prison, a criminal record and the offence recorded on your license for 11 years.

Drug drivers should consider if they cause a road accident in which someone suffers serious injury or worse someone is killed, how this will affect those involved and their loved ones as a result of their actions.