UK Sees Increase in Drug Driving Cases

In December, Staffordshire Police conducted Operation Limit, resulting in over 150 arrests for serious driving offenses, including 78 for positive breath tests and 53 for drug driving, amid national efforts to combat drink and drug-related collisions. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 motorists were reported for driving the wrong way on England's motorways in 2023, a 15% increase from the previous year, prompting calls for improved road signage to prevent such dangerous incidents. In Kerry, Ireland, incidents of driving under the influence rose by 23% in 2024, leading to 334 recorded offenses and over 665 vehicle seizures, with the Gardaí implementing more stringent testing. Additionally, a concerning number of drivers in the UK have been caught drug-driving multiple times, with over 33,000 convicted, highlighting the need for rehabilitation programs to reduce reoffending. Road safety advocates stress the importance of education and enforcement to address the drug driving epidemic, as multiple offenders show a troubling trend despite existing penalties. Experts recommend the introduction of rehabilitation courses similar to those available for drink driving offenses to mitigate repeat offenses.