By Julie Armstrong

Last updated 13:35, Saturday, 19 April 2008

RESEARCH into perceptions on drug-driving in Workington has produced worrying results.

Survey shock: Some people do not consider themselves drug-drivers, even if they have taken substances like cannabis, left. And over-the-counter flu remedies, below, can affect reaction times and cause drowsiness

Most of the 36 per cent who admitted having taken illegal drugs did not consider themselves to be drug-drivers, despite many saying they drove the next day.

Some changed their minds on realising cannabis remains in the system for up to 28 days.

Almost all – 94 out of 100 – did not know the penalties were the same as drink-driving – a minimum one-year driving ban and a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in jail.

Steven Thompson, the county council’s road safety officer for Copeland, presented the findings to Cumbria Road Safety Partnership last week.

The survey had looked not only at the use of illegal drugs, but also at people taking prescription and over-the-counter medications which may affect their driving.

89 per cent of 100 people questioned said they would not think twice about driving if they read the warning ‘Do not operate heavy machinery’.

Police do not make a distinction between the consumption of legal or illegal drugs.

Antihistamines, often used in flu and hayfever remedies, and tranquillisers used to treat anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders, can significantly affect reaction times and cause drowsiness.

In 2006, research by the RAC Foundation and Max Power magazine found 67 per cent of readers believed drug-driving was not as bad as drink-driving and the penalty was not as severe.

And 59 per cent had driven after smoking marijuana and 37 per cent after cocaine.

A Brake and Green Flag survey in 2003 showed a six-fold increase in the number of drug-drivers involved in collisions.