Drink & Drug Driving: The Numbers That Should Worry Us All

By MAJ Law on 04 August 2025

New data has highlighted a worrying rise in serious road incidents linked to drug-driving across the UK. While deaths from drink-driving have slightly dropped, drug-driving is heading in the opposite direction, and fast.

Figures show that in 2023, 124 people died in crashes involving a drug-impaired driver. That’s a staggering 38% increase on the previous year. And although drink-driving deaths have fallen to around 260, they still account for roughly 1 in 6 road deaths in Great Britain. For anyone working in road safety, law, or transport,  that’s not good enough.

The report, published in July 2025 and covered by Fleet News, paints a mixed picture: fewer overall casualties, but a significant rise in cases involving drug use behind the wheel. It suggests that while public messaging about drink-driving may be cutting through, drug-driving has become the new silent threat on our roads.

Why Is Drug-Driving on the Rise?

There are a few key reasons:

  • Increased availability and usage of both recreational and prescription drugs.

  • Lack of awareness around how long certain substances stay in your system - especially cannabis and benzodiazepines.

  • Misconceptions about roadside testing and enforcement (many assume it’s unlikely they’ll be caught).

  • High failure rates for drug-driving roadside swabs. In some regions, nearly 1 in 2 drivers stopped test positive.

This isn’t just a police issue. It’s a societal problem, and one that’s clearly slipping through the cracks of public understanding.

Why It Matters (and What We See Firsthand)

At M.A.J Law, we’ve represented hundreds of drivers accused of being over the limit, whether alcohol or drugs. And we can tell you with confidence: not every case is clear-cut.

Many of the people we represent:

  • Are unaware that prescription medication (like diazepam or codeine) can result in a criminal charge.

  • Were stopped hours, even days after drug use, unaware that traces remain detectable long after the effects have worn off.

  • Were tested in ways that don’t meet proper legal or scientific standards, leaving room for serious challenges in court.

We also regularly defend clients who were wrongly accused, mishandled during arrest, or whose tests were processed incorrectly. These aren’t “loopholes”, they’re legitimate failings in a legal system that demands accuracy and fairness.

A Wake-Up Call for Employers and Fleet Managers

If you're managing a business where employees drive as part of their job - whether in delivery, logistics, or site visits, these trends are concerning. 

With drug-driving convictions on the rise, many employers face legal risks and reputational damage if they’re not doing enough to ensure safe, responsible behaviour behind the wheel.

Now is the time to:

  • Refresh policies on drug and alcohol use

  • Offer access to education and support for employees

  • Make clear what happens when rules are broken - not just for legal reasons, but because lives are at stake

How We Help

M.A.J Law specialises in motoring defence, it’s all we do. Our job is to guide clients through the most stressful moments of their lives, providing expert advice, robust representation, and a clear strategy from day one.

If you’ve been charged with a drink or drug-driving offence, we can help with:

  • Reviewing the evidence and police procedure

  • Assessing the validity of roadside and laboratory tests

  • Identifying grounds for a legal challenge (including unlawful arrest or delay in charging)

  • Protecting your driving licence, your reputation, and your future

Final Thoughts

While drink-driving remains a serious concern, drug-driving is now one of the fastest-growing threats on our roads. As solicitors, we believe in holding the system to a high standard, but we also believe in education, prevention, and better decision-making before it gets to that point.

If you're facing charges or simply want advice before things go too far, speak to us early. One call could make all the difference. 

Need legal help or just want to understand your options? Call M.A.J Law for free, confidential advice today on 0151 422 8020. 

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