Drug Driving Limits now apply in the UK

New Legislation brings drug driving controls into force...

Since the 1970s, the users of our roads here in the UK have been the subject of numerous safety campaigns for instance those highlighting the use of seat belts and not drink driving. Also, the United Kingdom has some of the strictest laws on safety for example the MoT test and now roadside cameras which can detect a car's insurance and tax state too. We also know that sticking to the speed limit is highly advised and that driving whilst drunk is completely unacceptable.

Changes in the regulations, introduced recently, have meant that drivers face prosecution if discovered to be over the new drug-drive limit with substances such as hashish, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, diamorphine and heroin in their systems. While the legislation is now in force, when asked by Kwik-Fit insurance services, 1028 adults did not know that legal drugs were also listed. Lorazepam (anti-anxiety), Diazepam (an anti-anxiety drug), Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol - sedative), Clonazepam (which is used to treat seizures and panic attacks), Temazepam (anti-anxiety and sedative) and Oxazepam (anti-anxiety) are just a few of the more common prescription drugs.

The limits for almost all of prescription medications are above the normal dose, so this means if you’ve been given drugs by a qualified medical practitioner and are able to prove this then of course this is no problem. If however you aren't, then the penalties related to being convicted of a drug-driving offence come with a minimum 1 year ban from driving, a fine of up to £5000 and a criminal record. Some of the major insurance firms are refusing to insure anyone found guilty of a drug-driving offence and pay a visit to certain countries is going to be harder if not impossible.

Being in control of a motor car is a serious responsibility. If you are over either the drink or drug restrictions; you risk prosecution but in addition causing a fatal accident. When you consider it, it's pretty worrying that there are people driving without the appropriate glasses or visual correction and that there are certainly people driving with anxiousness issues. The modern motor vehicle has become a source of independence and often the best way to travel quickly and without difficulty between points A to point B, we are all aware that public transport doesn’t go everywhere we would like it to and also it can be really expensive. Yet if your anxiety condition is activated through driving, or being in a car then you really should consider if you should be driving all?

It is most noticeable that the stated list of legal, prescribed drugs that may potentially place a driver over the limit are the type that are employed to counteract anxiety and panic. The market place is crowded with anti-anxiety drugs so your doctor may be prepared to prescribe an alternate which will not affect driving ability.

Instead, you could find a different treatment. Hypnotherapeutic tactics are an extremely worthwhile alternative treatment which can dramatically reduce and often eliminate anxiety or panic totally. This would help ensure you remain legal when driving but also happier, free from drugs and medicines and repeat prescriptions and appointments. Hypnotherapeutic processes can also increase your self-confidence and self-esteem and means that you can be safe and proficient whilst driving.

To discuss how anxiety can be eradicated without the need for medical prescriptions, please do get in touch.

John Plester is the lead consultant at Norwich Hypnotherapy Practice as well as the Principal Tutor for the East Anglian Institute of Hypnotherapy based in Norwich, Norfolk.