Drink and drug driving is common, but there is a lack of awareness about dangers, survey finds

The Courier asked local residents about their experience of drink and drug driving 

A Kingston Courier survey has revealed that nearly 90% of participants were aware of people who drink and drive, and two thirds knew of people who take drugs and drive.

Our survey of 60 local residents also found that the most common drug to drive under the influence of was marijuana.

One participant told us of their experience drug driving. They said: “I drove under the influence of alcohol and cocaine twice in my lifetime, but I drove under the influence of cannabis thousands of times, I think a lot of people smoke weed and drive, probably more than the drinking. I’m very ashamed that I did it.” 

Between the 2012 to 2021 census, accidents as a result of drug driving have increased significantly.

IAM RoadSmart, a charity aiming to combat casualties from accidents caused by people driving under the influence, provides a drink-driving awareness course. The charity is also campaigning for a drug-driving awareness course. 

The charity’s Policy and PR Manager, William Porter, said: “Drug driving is just as dangerous as drink driving. Substances can seriously impair judgement, slow reaction times, and reduce a driver’s ability to respond to hazards. Too often, people underestimate the risks, but the consequences can be devastating.”

A Courier survey participant argued there is not enough awareness of the contents of alcohol being served in pubs. Despite alcohol already coming with information about its strength, for example percentages, units could be included.

“Pubs and restaurants should show how many units of alcohol [there are ] on each drink. I know many people who drink strong beer, in pints, but argue that they can have two pints and it’s OK.”

From the 2012 to 2021 census, accidents caused by drug driving have increased drastically.

Our research concluded that 85% of participants believed there is not enough awareness about drug driving and over 58% do not understand the effects each drug can have on someone’s ability to drive. 

Another survey participant said: “I know a fair few people who drive high and often they drive in a safer manner than when sober.”

Drug Foundation stats show that people with THC in their system are 2.7 times more likely to have caused their crash compared to drug-free drivers.

Awareness is still needed.

The crime reporting charity, Crimestoppers, said in 2025 there has been over a 22% increase from Londoners reporting individuals regularly driving under the influence. 

London regional manager at the charity, Alexa Loukas, said: “Driving under the influence is not just a bad decision – it’s a devastating one.”