Drugs and Driving: A Combination That Can Be Fatal
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Drug use and driving do not mix well, and the consequences can be dramatic. Every year, more than 700 people are killed on the roads in accidents involving a driver under the influence of drugs, representing one in five fatal accidents. Despite this, the effects of drugs while driving are often underestimated by drivers, with potentially tragic consequences. Drug use is not only illegal but also a real danger to oneself and other road users.
The effects of drugs on driving
Each type of drug affects driving ability differently:
- Cannabis causes drowsiness, slows movement coordination, lengthens reaction time, and reduces visual and auditory faculties.
- Ecstasy masks the sensation of fatigue, impairs mental abilities, and gives a misleading sense of control, encouraging irrational behavior.
- Cocaine triggers aggressive driving, decreases attention and judgment, which can lead to loss of vehicle control.
- Opiates (such as opium and morphine) reduce alertness, slow quick decision-making, and decrease danger awareness.
- Hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, Psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline) cause perception disorders, illusions, and feelings of confusion or anxiety, potentially leading to panic attacks.
These effects seriously compromise the ability to respond appropriately to road events, greatly increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Severe penalties
Driving under the influence of drugs exposes drivers to severe penalties. In case of a positive test, drivers face up to two years in prison and a €4,500 fine, as well as the loss of six points on their driving license. In case of repeat offenses or if drug use is combined with alcohol, penalties can reach three years in prison and a €9,000 fine, along with vehicle confiscation and license cancellation.
Additionally, insurers may take measures against drivers involved in accidents under the influence of drugs, including increasing premiums, terminating insurance contracts, or reducing compensation.
Increasingly frequent checks
Law enforcement officers can perform drug screening tests during road checks, even without an accident or offense. These tests, often saliva-based, can detect substances such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and ecstasy within minutes. In fatal or bodily injury accidents, these screenings are systematic and mandatory for all drivers, including cyclists and scooter users.
Refusing to submit to these tests results in the same penalties as a positive test.
Risk multiplied in the presence of alcohol
The combined use of cannabis and alcohol multiplies the risk of causing a fatal accident by 29. Indeed, these two substances are separately dangerous for driving, and their combination exponentially amplifies their effects.
Safe alternatives: Never take the risk
To avoid the risks associated with driving under the influence of drugs, it is essential to consider safe alternatives. If you have consumed drugs, even in small amounts, it is better to find another way to get home. Here are some options to consider:
Designate a sober driver: Before going out, choose someone who will not consume drugs or alcohol to be your designated driver.
Use public transportation: Public transport is a safe and convenient alternative, especially if you plan to consume.
Use a taxi or ridesharing service: Ridesharing apps or taxis are available in most urban areas, offering a simple solution to avoid driving.
Stay put: If possible, stay where you are until you are fit to drive again, ensuring the drug is completely eliminated from your body.
The importance of awareness
Prevention relies on awareness. It is crucial that everyone understands the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and the potentially devastating consequences for their own life, that of passengers, and other road users. Regular awareness campaigns and education for young drivers can help reduce the incidence of these dangerous behaviors.
As a committed player in prevention, AMA Prévention strives to provide effective solutions to promote road safety. By offering reliable screening tests, AMA Prévention helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions and avoid putting their lives and those of others at risk. Prevention is the key to a safer future, where roads are less deadly and driving is responsible.
To learn more about our screening solutions, visit our website or contact our customer service for personalized advice.
B-SAFE scientific validation
The B-SAFE project, a drug detector pen for drinks, is validated and supported by Professor Jean-Claude Alvarez, toxicologist, professor of pharmacology-toxicology, and director of the toxicology laboratory at CHU Raymond-Poincaré/AP-HP in Garches.
A leading authority in toxicology, he is associated with reference work conducted in France on psychoactive substances and chemical submission, in a national ecosystem also represented in public debate by voices such as Sandrine Josso and Caroline Darian.
This validation strengthens B-SAFE’s technological positioning and the accuracy of its detection for drug prevention in drinks. Discover the B-SAFE product sheet.
