There is often an argument over which is worse - drink or
drug driving. The answer is that they are both as bad as each
other. They both impair judgement and alter reaction times, so it’s
likely that if a driver is under the influence it will lead to
death or serious injury to themselves, their passengers or other
road users. There are some signs you can look out for when getting
into someone’s car to see if they have been drinking or taking
drugs.
- Out of character behaviour
- Very relaxed or very energetic
- Small or large pupils
- Smell of drink or drugs
- Drug paraphernalia in the car such as needles or large
cigarette papers
- Speaking very fast and appearing to be too chatty
- Laughing or giggling excessively
- Pale face
- They may even tell you they have used drugs or
alcohol
The above list isn’t exhaustive and shouldn’t be used as a
checklist. If you have any suspicion that a vehicle has a drink or
drug driver then you have the right to not get in. Don’t be
pressured, it is your life after all.
If you drink or drug drive, consider the following
- Not only is it very selfish and puts yourself at risk, it also
risks the lives of your passengers, other road users and
pedestrians.
- The police can spot drink or drug drivers, and if they do they
will take action against them.
- The police can test to see if you have taken drugs and will
arrest you if they suspect that you have.
- With alcohol, everyone’s limits are different - one
person's could be 2 pints and another’s could be 1 shot.
- Been on a binge and going out for a drive the following
morning? You’ll probably still be over the limit. Wait 24
hours before you drive again.
- If you’re caught drink or drug driving you will be dealt with
toughly by the police and by the courts.
- If you cause a crash whilst you’re under the influence, even if
you didn’t mean to, you face up to 14 years in prison.
- Think you’re being noble not having passengers while you’re
under the influence? Think about the paramedics, the fire service
and the police who will have to pick up the pieces if you crash.
Think of the police officer knocking on your parents’ door in the
early hours of the morning to break the bad news to them...
Drink and drug driving. Don’t do it.
Getting a criminal record (especially one for drugs or violence)
can put a halt to a lot of things that you could do in your life.
It can stop you getting that dream career and even stop you
travelling to certain places around the world. If you do get one,
you will find it difficult to:
- work with young people - it can put a halt to teaching, social
work and child care;
- join any of the government services such as the police, fire
service, NHS and armed forces;
- work in an airport - for any jobs in an airport you need to be
police checked;
- work on machinery or apply for a taxi or HGV licence;
- obtain car insurance - it could either go up or some
companies may choose not to accept you;
- get accepted on a university or college course as they
require you to have a CRB (Criminal Records Background) check in
order to take part, and;
- travel abroad to countries like the USA and Australia as you
need a check in order to obtain a visa.
You may think now that you don’t want to travel to America,
or want to be a nurse, but remember that you could
end up wanting to do any of the above things in 10, 20 or maybe
even 30 years time - who knows what the future might hold?
Everything else
Everything you have read above is just what can happen if you're
caught with drugs and charged. Howver, just taking drugs can
have some pretty severe consequences.
If you're at school you'll notice your concentration span
getting smaller and smaller, which can have a real knock-on affect
during your exams.
You'll notice your health starting to deteriorate as
well; this can include things such as forgetting to do things
or even becoming ill.
Drugs cost money and they aren’t cheap. Taking them is going to
take up loads of your weekly income and that’s without an
addiction. Some people who are addicted to drugs spend well over
£100 a day getting their high.
Remember, what you do now can have a lasting effect on the rest
of your life!