Police figures show drug driving has tripled over two years

A police crackdown on drug driving over Christmas has seen arrests surge by almost a third in Hampshire.

The operation saw 74 arrests for drug driving in Hampshire – a 28% increase from the previous year. This figure is three times higher than just two years ago.

Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said that drink and drug drivers were being “complacent about the realities of road deaths and serious injuries”.

He added that “such behaviour on our roads has far-reaching effects not just for the impaired driver, but for any innocent road users affected by their destructive decisions”.

“Our message is simple – don’t mix drink or drugs with driving, they may stay longer in your system than you think – it’s not worth the risk.”

Operation Holly is a month-long joint operation by the Hampshire and Thames Valley police departments. It takes place between December 1st 2018 and January 1st 2019.

More than 280 drivers were tested for drugs during the joint operation. Half of which showed a positive result. With 17-24 year olds being the worst offenders.

Over 4,200 breath tests by road police across the two areas with 155 over the limit. The worst offending drink driving age group were 35-49 years.

In total 666 impaired drivers were arrested.