A recent 'drug driving' survey in the UK shows that one in five (20 percent) of young motorists take to the road every day while high on illegal drugs.
The survey was by the RAC Foundation and Max Power magazine.
The RAC School of Motoring in Ireland said the results have serious implications for road safety here as the effects of illegal drugs are increasingly a factor in accidents on our roads.
In the UK, 18 percent of drivers who died on UK roads between 1996-2000 had been driving with illegal drugs in their system.
The RAC is calling on young Irish motorists to face up to the dangers of drug driving. At best, they risk penalty points, a heavy fine, driving ban or six months in prison. At worst - a death sentence for the driver or their friends.
Trish Whelan.
