Repeat drug-driving offenders outnumber repeat drink-drivers fivefold, analysis finds
More than 12,300 motorists have been caught drug-driving on at least three separate occasions in the last 11 years – five times the number convicted of repeat drink-driving offences over the same period, according to new analysis by the RAC.
Analysis of DVLA data obtained through a Freedom of Information request found that 12,391 drivers accrued three or more DG10 endorsements for driving or attempting to drive under the influence of drugs above specified legal limits since 2014.
By comparison, 2,553 motorists accrued three or more equivalent drink-driving convictions, recorded as DR10 or DR20 endorsements. Overall, 41,422 licence holders were convicted of drug-driving more than once during the 11-year period.
The data also revealed some prolific repeat offenders. One driver accumulated 18 separate drug-driving convictions, while another had 17. A total of 32 drivers recorded 10 separate DG10 convictions and 38 had nine offences on their licence. In total, 72,662 motorists had at least one DG10 drug-driving conviction recorded on their licence, including 4,131 provisional licence holders.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said the figures showed drug-driving had become an increasingly serious but less visible road safety issue.
“Drug-driving reoffending rates dwarf those of drink-driving, which suggests that current penalties aren’t effective in preventing some drug-drivers from repeating their crimes and putting everyone at risk,” he said.
He called for the introduction of a national drug-driving rehabilitation scheme similar to those used for drink-driving offenders and backed proposals for roadside saliva testing, similar to systems used in Australia.
The Government has previously said it will review penalties and training requirements for drug-driving offenders as part of its wider road safety strategy.