Figures released by the National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC) show that almost 30% of drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs in Belgium had taken more than one substance.
Almost 1 in 3 drivers caught under the influence of drugs had taken more than one substance
Published:
The National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC) analysed 8,289 saliva samples at the request of the police and the courts. Nearly 88% of the samples tested positive for drugs. The tests were only carried out when there was already a strong suspicion of drug use. For example, as following a positive roadside test.
The proportion of drivers found to have taken more than one drug has risen sharply in recent years. 5 years ago, 1 in 5 motorists that tested positive for drug use had taken more than one substance. This has since risen to 30%. The most common combination of drugs is cannabis and cocaine. More than half of those found to have taken more than one substance had taken cannabis and cocaine.
The NICC warns that mixing drugs greatly increases the risk of accidents when out on the road. Studies show that cannabis use when driving doubles the risk of serious injury or death if an accident occurs. Meanwhile, the use of amphetamines when driving increased the risk of an accident resulting in injury or death by up to 30 times. Taking more than one drug is is even more dangerous.
The NICC also warns about the increased presence of ketamine in the samples tested. Although only 6% of drivers tested positive for the drug this is still an increase on previous years. The NICC that the so-called “party drug” can cause disorientation and hallucinations that can prove extremely dangerous when driving.