(Image: Supplied)
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has backed a national campaign aimed at challenging "dangerous myths" around drug driving and raising awareness of the risks posed by impaired motorists.
Ms Allen, who is also the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners' joint national lead for road safety and transport, has joined forces with Durham Constabulary and Darlington Council's community safety team to tackle attitudes towards both drink and drug driving.
She has now lent her support to the Government's THINK! 'Don't put drugs in the driving seat' campaign, which targets drivers aged 17 to 29 through posters, social media, online platforms, and audio channels.
Ms Allen said: "The results of our World Cup road safety campaign show that too many people are still willing to take the risk of driving after consuming drink or drugs, despite the well-publicised dangers and consequences.
"While enforcement remains a crucial part of our approach, education and prevention are equally important.
"THINK!'s research exposes some deeply worrying misconceptions around drug driving, particularly among younger drivers, and these myths must be challenged.
"Driving under the influence of drugs puts everyone at risk.
"It affects judgement, reaction times, and concentration, and the consequences can be devastating for victims, families, and communities.
"Through continued enforcement, education, and partnership working, we will continue to do everything we can to make our roads safer."
The campaign is backed by research commissioned by THINK! which suggests that drug driving is becoming increasingly normalised among some young men.
Findings show that 41 per cent believe it is acceptable to drive after taking drugs if they 'feel fine', and more than half—51 per cent—know someone who drives after using drugs.
The campaign also seeks to address persistent myths, such as the belief that cannabis makes drivers more cautious or that cocaine can offset impairment.
THINK! aims to correct these misconceptions by highlighting the lasting effects of drugs on reaction times, coordination, and judgement.
Driving instructors are also being encouraged to reinforce these messages with learner and newly qualified drivers.
The campaign follows a recent World Cup-themed road safety initiative delivered across County Durham and Darlington, which featured bold graphics in pubs, bus shelters, and on billboards warning of the dangers of driving under the influence.
During the campaign, Durham Constabulary carried out targeted enforcement, resulting in 113 motorists being caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Forty-two motorists were arrested for drink driving, 49 for drug driving, and 22 for failing to provide a sample.
Several offenders have already been charged, with other cases progressing through the criminal justice system.