D.tec International is pleased to acknowledge the renewed emphasis on addressing drug driving, as highlighted by Andrew Snowden MP in his recent oral question in Parliament and his post on X. We commend his commitment to tackling this pressing issue, which continues to pose a significant threat to road safety and lives in the UK.
For over a decade, D.tec International has been a proud partner to the UK’s police forces, providing DrugWipe kits that have helped identify and remove tens of thousands of drug drivers from the roads each year. Despite these efforts, drug driving remains a prevalent and escalating problem in the country. It is alarming to note that drug driving causes as many fatalities and serious injuries as drink driving, yet the current measures in place are not keeping pace with the scale of the issue.
While frontline police officers work tirelessly to combat drug driving, the existing system, which relies on blood samples for confirmation after positive roadside tests, is slow and inefficient. Offenders often remain on the roads for months before facing prosecution, leading to the possibility of multiple offenses during this period. Shockingly, many drug drivers evade justice altogether.
Recent data highlights the severity of the situation, with 33,020 drivers convicted of drug driving multiple times in the 11 years leading up to July 2024. Among them, 3,431 were caught on four or more occasions, and 54 individuals were prosecuted at least ten times.
A proven solution to this problem already exists and has shown remarkable success in countries like Australia and France. These nations have implemented a system where evidential saliva samples are collected at the roadside from drivers who fail initial DrugWipe tests. These samples are processed in laboratories within days, allowing for swift prosecutions to be completed in weeks rather than months. This approach has not only reduced the number of drug driving incidents but has also served as a strong deterrent, saving lives and preventing life-altering injuries.
The UK now has the opportunity to adopt a similar system, bringing about quicker justice and enhanced safety on its roads. Additionally, there are clear financial benefits for police forces, with potential annual savings of £25 million by streamlining the process.
Ean Lewin, Managing Director of D.tec International, expressed the company’s commitment to leveraging its expertise in combatting drug driving and collaborating with policymakers to implement this proven solution. He commended Andrew Snowden MP for his dedication to road safety and efforts to raise awareness of this critical issue in Parliament and beyond.
The need for reform in tackling drug driving has never been more evident. By taking decisive action, we can create safer roads, save lives, and ensure swift and effective justice is delivered. D.tec International stands ready to contribute towards making this vision a reality.