Reports of drug driving in Cumbria have increased by 40 per cent in the last six months, new figures show.
Charity Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to target those who get behind the wheel and drug drive.
In Cumbria in 2020, the amount of people arrested on suspicion of drug driving was 50 per cent more than that for drink driving and the number of people arrested on suspicion for drug driving has risen from 561 in 2019 to 883.
The campaign seeks to increase anonymous reporting by the public of those who regularly drug drive so that they are banned from driving.
Gary Murray, regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Whilst we are encouraged to see the rise in reports that we have received from the public, it highlights that drug driving is a major issue in our county. Many innocent lives are being put at risk by a small number of people who choose to break the law.
“Drug drivers put other people’s lives at risk and your information could help prevent a potentially damaging or fatal collision from happening.
“Our campaigns seek to both discourage those who may be thinking of getting behind the wheel and ensure they consider the implications of their actions on themselves, their families, or the families of the potential victims. We are letting them know that people who take drugs and then drive are being reported, stopped, tested, and banned.
““Since we began in the late 1980s, we’ve always kept our promise that everyone who contacts us stays 100 per cent anonymous. Always.
“If you have information, please use our anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. Everyone has a part to play in making Cumbria’s roads safer.”
Peter McCall, Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, said: “There is never an excuse for drink or drug driving – it’s a selfish and dangerous act and it is not tolerated in Cumbria. Driving under the influence not only places the perpetrator at risk, but also risks the lives of other innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
“It’s not worth it – if you are under the influence of drink or drugs please make sure you have a safe way home. I would urge anyone to report a drink/drug driver to the Police on 999, in an emergency, or 101 but I understand that not everyone wants to do this.
“If you don’t want to contact the police, please contact Crimestoppers – they are 100 per cent anonymous and can pass any information on to the police.”
