In what is becoming a rather serious issue, another private taxi driver was recently picked up in the Liverpool area for Drug Driving. Testing positive for duty, this driver became the eighth in the Merseyside area to become positively tested for cocaine usage. Indeed, this is the 40th driver to be arrested for taking cocaine when driving since January – an alarming statistic which has caused the police to deliver stern warnings via Twitter.
Indeed, one driver tested positive for three different substances – whilst having a passenger in the back seat. The driver tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, Delta-9-9Tetrahydrocannabinol as well as cocaine in his system. This took place in June, and the driver was over 16 x the legal limit for Benzoylecgonine.
Naturally, driving while under the influence of drugs is a very dangerous thing to do. Not only is it an illegal offence to do so, driving whilst under the influence is likely to cause driving accuracy to become limited and increases your chances of being involved in an accident over time. Common signs of someone driving whilst under the influence of drugs includes:
- Reduced ability to react in time to an unexpected situation.
- Poor vision, leading to blurred vision and misrepresentation of the road/traffic.
- Excessive risk taking and inability to determine when a risk is too serious.
- Inability to judge the speed or distance of another vehicle or a pedestrian.
Driving whilst under the influence of drugs can lead to the loss of employment and even imprisonment. In a worst case scenario, it could lead to the serious injury or even death of another individual through reckless behavior.
What does driving under the influence mean for me?
For one, if caught you will most likely be arrested. Anyone arrested whilst under the influence of drugs is likely to see their license revoked as well as a ban put on their license. This could also cost them as much as £5,000 in a fine, and also see them gain a criminal record for as long as 20-years.
This could also see you lose your vehicle, depending on the circumstances. For anyone who relies upon their vehicle for work, this could naturally impair your ability to earn and to make a living. However, should you cause the death of someone when you are driving under the influence, expect a minimum 2-year ban and a maximum jail sentence of 14-years.
You will need to undergo a breathalyser test should you be involved in the scene of a crime, and you will also need to undergo an impairment test. With high prosecution rates for drivers who are under the influence, we recommend that you take no risk – the impact can be life-changing, and not just for yourself but for other people on the roads.
With the likelihood of losing your license and your livelihood as well as jail time, you should consider seriously the implications of driving outside of complete sobriety. Don’t take risks and put yourself or others in danger.
Photo Credit: “Taxi #2 (street motion)” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by angelocesare
