THE RAC Foundation claims that 'drug driving' should receive the same focus as drink driving. It has cited evidence that shows a sixfold increase in the number of drivers with drugs in their bloodstream who are involved in accidents - up to 18% from 3% in 1989 - and wants police to be better trained to detect drug drivers.

It also wants more research to be carried out into the problem and has called for a public awareness campaign to warn drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence of illicit or prescription drugs. It suggests that a European-wide 'traffic light' warning system classifying over-the-counter drugs as green, amber or red depending on side-effects would help motorists.