This campaign targets young men, as DfT statistics show that around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male and 4 in every 10 are aged between 17 and 30.

The latest data also shows an increase in drug-related collisions over the last 10 years: between 2014 and 2023, there has been a 70% increase in driver fatalities where drugs were present.

With the tagline, ‘Don’t put drugs in the driving seat’, the new campaign video is shot entirely from the driver’s seat with a dynamic rotating camera. The film shows how one reckless choice can spiral into devastating consequences: a car collision, police station visit, facing the judge in court and ultimately ending up behind bars.

In Essex, 79 people were killed or seriously injured in drug related collisions in 2024 and 82% of these were aged between 16 and 35.

In comparison, 41 were killed or seriously injured in 2023 and 31 in 2022, showing a significant increase.

For more information on drug driving please visit Drink and drug driving – saferessexroads.org. Please follow the @SaferEssexRoads on socials to see how you can help the Partnership spread key road safety messages over the Christmas period and beyond.

One message could save a life this Christmas. To report a drink or drug driver confidentially, visit:
https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/help-us-help-you/

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