Riding under the influence of drugs is a growing danger on the roads and one that is not as well understood by many road users.
Drugs, whether that be illegal or medicinal, can affect the human body in a variety of ways. The exact effect will depend on the type of substance, but this can include impairment of awareness, judgement and reaction time putting the user and all who use the road at a greater risk of danger.
Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at the police station. Even riders that pass the roadside check can be arrested if the police suspect that your riding is impaired by drugs.
If you are caught, the penalties can be severe, including a driving ban (one year minimum), an unlimited fine, a criminal record, and up to six months in prison. In addition, the conviction for Drug Riding will stay on your licence for 11 years, and your employer will be able to see this. Being convicted for Drug Riding could mean far-reaching consequences. Consider these before anything else.
MEDICINAL DRUGS
Many prescription or over-the-counter medications can seriously impair an individual’s ability to ride safely; for instance, causing drowsiness, affecting reaction times, coordination, concentration or vision.
Warnings on medication packaging can often be vague or in small print and may not directly reference the impairment to riding. Therefore, it is always best to seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacists about whether your medicine(s) will affect your ability to ride, if you are unsure.
The following types of drugs can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to ride:
- Some antidepressants.
- Stronger painkillers e.g. those containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
- Powerful tranquillisers – used for the treatment of some mental disorders. Some drugs used to treat epilepsy e.g. phenobarbitone and phenytoin.
- Benzodiazepine tranquillisers e.g. tamazepam or diazepam – commonly prescribed for anxiety or insomnia.
- Some antihistamines – used in hayfever medicines.
