**Drug-Driving Overtakes Drunk-Driving as UK’s Leading Road Safety Threat**
A recent study has revealed that drug-driving has surpassed drunk-driving as the most significant road safety issue in the United Kingdom. This alarming trend has sparked criticism of outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding his government's response to the escalating crisis.
Under UK law, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired by either legal or illegal drugs, or to have specified levels of controlled substances in one's system. Those convicted of drug-driving face severe penalties, including a minimum one-year driving ban, substantial fines, and potential imprisonment for up to six months.
Data obtained by the advocacy group IAM RoadSmart from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) indicates a dramatic increase in drug-driving convictions. In 2025, there were 30,707 convictions for drug-driving, marking a 28% increase from 23,981 in 2022. Conversely, drunk-driving convictions fell by 17% during the same period, totaling 29,981.
Reports earlier this year from The Telegraph highlighted that drugs have now surpassed alcohol as a contributing factor in fatal road accidents. According to DfT and police data, the number of drivers who tested positive for drugs and subsequently died in accidents rose by 78% over the last decade, while fatalities involving alcohol increased by only 5%.
Campaigners have accused Starmer’s government of neglecting what they describe as a growing drug-driving crisis. Although ministers have initiated discussions regarding the potential lowering of the legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales, no comparable measures have been proposed to address the rising incidence of drug-driving.
Nicholas Lyes, policy director at IAM RoadSmart, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s becoming clear that the UK is mired in a drug-driving epidemic, to the point where it may now be more of a threat on our streets than drink-driving.” He called for the government to empower police to suspend licenses following failed roadside drug tests and to establish a national rehabilitation program for drug drivers.
In response to the concerning statistics, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport acknowledged the gravity of the situation but did not provide specific details on forthcoming measures to combat drug-driving.
This development adds to a series of political challenges faced by Starmer, whose government has been criticized on multiple fronts during his less than two-year tenure. After leading the Labour Party to a significant victory in the 2024 elections with promises to restore stability following a succession of short-lived Conservative administrations, Starmer has become associated with tax increases, welfare cuts, political controversies, and a contentious foreign policy. Critics have also pointed out that he appears to be more focused on international matters, often at the expense of domestic issues.
In light of growing discontent within the Labour Party, Starmer announced in late June his intention to resign as both Prime Minister and party leader. According to a YouGov poll, 62% of the British public expressed support for his resignation.
As the UK grapples with the implications of these findings, the spotlight remains on the government’s response to the rising threat of drug-driving and its broader impact on road safety.