The campaign, which is funded by the Local Authority Road Safety Officers Association (LARSOA) for the North East*, The North East Drug Action Teams and Government Office North East and supported by the three police forces aims to raise awareness of the dangers of drug-driving and the penalties for anyone caught driving under the influence.

Washroom posters and beer mats are being placed in 600 pubs, clubs colleges and universities targeting young people with the message 'Drug driving...you'd be off your head'.


A heavyweight five-week local radio campaign using a genuine case study from a remorseful drug driver and the website www.drugdriving.com, also aim to get the message across.

Paul Watson, LARSOA Chairman in the North-East, says: "Drug driving doesn't just have an impact on the organisations involved in road safety, health and enforcement – it also has a huge effect on the local communities whose safety is compromised every time motorists drive under the influence of drugs."

Initial research amongst young people, the main target for this initiative, showed a lack of understanding about the dangers of drug-driving and the consequences for motorists who risk driving after taking drugs. Perception of likely penalties, included 'a caution' and 'a £50 fine and slap on the wrist'.

Mr Watson adds: "While we are making great strides in positioning drug driving in the same light as drink driving in the North East, we cannot become complacent and we will continue to campaign against this until it becomes clear that it is no longer an issue."

Sharon Baines, spokesman for the North East Drug Action Teams adds: "Drugs affect the way you think and behave and can have a significant effect on your sense of judgement and reaction times. We need people to take this issue seriously, and this campaign is raising awareness of the dangers of drug driving across the North East."

"We all know that drink and driving don't mix - we now need to get across the same message about drugs."

According to the Department for Transport, drugs can affect drivers by causing slower reaction times, poor concentration, sleepiness, confusion, distorted perception, over-confidence, impaired co-ordination, hallucinations, blurred vision, aggression and dizziness.

Treatment, counselling and support is available to users of drugs. People who would like more information and advice as well as details of where they can get treatment, can contact FRANK, the national helpline, on 0800 77 66 00 or visit www.talktofrank.com.