Drug Driving Campaign
In spring 2001 the Scottish Executive published research into recreational drug use and driving. The research found that 9% of drivers in the 17-39 age group reported ever having driven under the influence of illegal drugs and that cannabis was the most common drug to have been used drug driving. The research also found that young drivers had very poor knowledge of the legal position regarding drug driving.
The SRSC's Drug Driving Working Group is currently developing a campaign aimed at addressing the issues raised by the research. In 2001 the Group developed a leaflet on the legal position and police powers in relation to drug driving. This leaflet was published to coincide with the ACPOS drug driving awareness campaign in association with the Safer Scotland Know the Score initiative launched in 2001.
Following the publication of the information leaflet the Working Group turned its attention to the development of a television advert which now been launched on Scottish TV screens. The advert aims to raise awareness of the detection methods being employed by the police across Scotland. The Field Impairment Tests, which have proved successful across America in the detection of drivers impaired through taking drugs, involve a series of physical co-ordination tests administered at the roadside. The new SRSC advert aims raise awareness of these tests amongst the target group, specifically young drivers.
The launch of the advert took place on 20th May 02 at Strathclyde Police Road Policing Complex in Glasgow. This coincided with the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland reporting on their drug drive enforcement activity conducted over the previous weekend. The advert has been produced in a 40 second & 60 second versions. The longer advert will be screened during the first week of the TV campaign, it will then be screened on cinemas throughout Scotland later in the year. Further TV screening of the TV advert is planned for October.
The SRSC advert carries the Know the Score logo. The Know the Score campaign is aimed at providing clear and concise messages regarding the use of drugs and has both an information telephone line and a Website. Information on drugs driving will be available via both these media.
An evaluation of the TV advert, being funded by the Scottish Executive is scheduled to take place in June. The findings will be used to develop further initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of drug driving.
Drug Driving PDF file (523 KB)