Combatting Drugged Driving: New Measures and Risks

2023-11-07 18:34:00

A new procedure comes into force today: like alcohol tests, checks for drug consumption while driving will now be systematic following an accident. Plus, it seems to be happening more and more often. Narcotic products that clearly change our driving behavior.

The police officers witness this every day during the preventive checks they have been carrying out for months. Drugged driving is a very well-known phenomenon for them. In the Walloon Region, one in twenty motorists would be affected.

This consumption is responsible for 10% of fatal accidents, which represents approximately more than 20 deaths per year. Among drugs, cannabis is the most present with significant risks. “They no longer have the perception of a classic pursuit, they increase the speed, people will then have reflexes which are reduced by drug consumption“, explains the First Inspector of the Boraine Police Zone, David Javaux.

In fact, these drugs all present different and increasing risks. The quantity consumed is an important factor, but for the same two doses, cannabis would increase the risk of serious accident by three, by ten when it comes to cocaine and by 30 when we are talking regarding amphetamines.

We will take more time to react in the event of an unforeseen event, we will have more difficulty processing information and evaluating situations. We will also have more difficulty coordinating movements, as well as having a feeling of omnipotence while driving.“, warns Belinda Demattia, spokesperson for the AWSR.

Road safety institutes hope that these new measures will have an impact on the figures for drug consumption while driving: a priority for them, more than alcohol currently.

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