Commercial Vehicle Contracts is reminding businesses and professional drivers of the dangers of drug driving following the launch of the Department for Transport’s latest summer THINK! road safety campaign.
Running throughout July and August, the nationwide campaign aims to increase awareness of the legal and safety consequences of driving after taking drugs. Building on the successful “Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat” campaign launched last year, this summer’s campaign features new animated adverts and statistic-led content designed to challenge misconceptions about drug driving.
Advertising will appear across social media, radio, cinemas, online video and outdoor locations during the busy summer period, when festivals, holidays and increased travel can contribute to a higher risk of drug-driving incidents.
Drug driving remains a growing concern on UK roads. According to Ministry of Justice figures, 21,791 people were convicted of drug-driving offences in England and Wales during 2025, continuing an upward trend over the past decade. Official data also shows the number of driver fatalities involving drugs has increased significantly over the same period.
The campaign is particularly aimed at younger male drivers, who continue to account for the majority of drug-driving collisions. Research suggests many still believe they are safe to drive if they “feel fine”, despite drugs affecting reaction times, judgement, concentration and overall driving ability.
Research commissioned for the campaign found that 41% of young men believe it is acceptable to drive after taking drugs if they “feel fine”, while 51% say they know someone who has driven after taking drugs. These findings suggest the dangers of drug driving continue to be underestimated, reinforcing the need for greater awareness among those most at risk.
One of the campaign’s primary objectives is to tackle common myths surrounding drug driving. Some motorists wrongly believe cannabis makes them more cautious behind the wheel, cocaine counteracts impairment, or that they can accurately judge whether they are fit to drive. The Department for Transport is clear that these misconceptions are dangerous and that no drug makes someone a safer driver.
The campaign also highlights the potentially life-changing consequences of drug driving. A conviction can result in a criminal record, a driving ban, substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. More importantly, driving while impaired puts both the driver and other road users at serious risk of injury or death.
For businesses operating vans, company cars and commercial fleets, the campaign serves as a timely reminder of the importance of clear workplace policies. Effective fleet management involves more than choosing the right vehicles. Businesses must also consider driver safety, compliance, maintenance and long-term operational efficiency. Find out more in our guide to Comprehensive Fleet Solutions: Your Guide to Long-Term Commercial Vehicle Leasing.
Employers should ensure everyone who drives for work understands their legal responsibilities, the company’s expectations and the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs.
Beyond the legal implications, drug-driving incidents can have significant commercial consequences. A collision involving an employee driving for work can lead to vehicle downtime, increased insurance costs, disruption to operations, reputational damage and potential health and safety investigations. Fleet safety goes beyond driver behaviour. From regular vehicle checks to compliance responsibilities, businesses must take a proactive approach to protecting their drivers and reducing operational risks. Read our guide on Faulty Brakes and Tyres: A Growing Compliance Risk for Commercial Fleets.
Regular driver communication and well-defined fleet policies can help reduce these risks.
It is also important to remember that drug driving is not limited to illegal substances. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines can also impair driving ability. Drivers should always read the advice supplied with any medication, speak to a healthcare professional if they are unsure, and avoid driving if they experience side effects that could affect their ability to drive safely.
Understanding the rules that apply to commercial vehicles is also essential for every business driver. Our guide to Speed Limit Rules for Vans in the UK explains the regulations operators need to be aware of.
According to the Department for Transport, the latest campaign has already shown encouraging early results, with more motorists recognising that drug driving can lead to a criminal record and saying they would be less likely to drive after taking drugs.
Although the main advertising campaign concludes at the end of August, further activity is expected later in the year as police increase enforcement of drink and drug-driving offences during the festive period.
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The latest drug driving campaign serves as an important reminder that driver safety, compliance and responsible decision-making should remain a priority for every business operating a vehicle fleet.
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