Young men urged to think about the risks and consequences of drug driving

Brought to you by THINK!

The statistics on drug driving have been rising. Between 2014 and 2023, there was a 70% increase in driver fatalities where drugs were present. Young men are particularly at risk, with 4 in every 10 drivers involved in collisions being men aged between 17 and 29.

Many people have come to understand the risks of drink-driving; however, the same can’t be said for drug-driving. Young men especially tend to underestimate the risk, believing they ‘feel fine' to drive.

Data shows that there is a dangerous perception amongst many who believe it's safer to drive whilst on drugs rather than under the influence of alcohol.

Research from THINK! found 32% of young men think it’s OK to drive after taking drugs if they 'feel fine' vs 75% who said they wouldn’t after drinking any alcohol. A further 46% reported knowing someone who drives after using drugs. This shows that drug driving is more common than people realise and that many young men perceive it to be safer to drive under the influence of drugs than alcohol.

That’s why THINK! launched their ‘‘Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat’ campaign, to warn young men about the risks and consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs, challenging the ‘I feel fine’ mentality.

To help tackle this issue, the lads from FootballJOE got together to chat about how to intervene if your mate has taken drugs and is planning on driving. As we all know, it can be a difficult conversation to have.

Even if you think you feel fine, drugs change how your brain works – and you won’t always realise it. As FootballJOE’s Charlie puts it, "Everyone knows what being drunk is like," but people massively underestimate how drugs affect their system.

THINK!'s campaign also aims to educate people on the risks involved with driving after taking drugs, both in the immediate aftermath of consumption and in the days after. Many don’t realise drugs can still be detected in their body long after they’ve taken them.

Police are increasing roadside drug checks which means there's a higher chance of getting caught. Drug driving is illegal and if you drive with drugs in your system, you can be prosecuted.

Getting pulled over means losing your licence and and gaining a criminal record, both of which can have lasting repercussions for your career, finances, and social life.

Henry says that as their mate "you've got a real moral responsibility to step in and say the right thing”, because the consequences can be life‑changing.

In that moment where a mate may be at risk of making a bad decision, it’s important to step in and remind them of the other choices they can make. Take a taxi, catch the bus, stay at a mate’s place rather than exposing yourself to those risks if you drive after taking drugs.

We know that having these conversations with mates can be intimidating, but as the lads discuss, it’s a moment to step in and talk to them, as “that risk they avoid could save their life”.

To listen to the full chat with the FootballJOE lads, click here.

Don’t put drugs in the driving seat. Make a plan. Step in. Help your mate out. One small choice can save a life, maybe even yours.