Hundreds killed or injured by drug drivers

Twenty people have been killed and 180 seriously injured in West Yorkshire in the past five years because of drug driving, according to new figures.

The data shared by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) also revealed there had been more than 800 drug driving arrests in the last 12 months alone.

Carol Coleman, whose son Dean Miles, 49, died after he was hit by a driver who was over the legal limit for cannabis, said the statistics were "shocking" and called for more to be done to highlight the dangers.

It comes as a campaign was launched by WYCA and the Department for Transport seeking to raise awareness of the risks of driving under the influence of drugs.

Carol said she felt "very strongly" there should more awareness of the impact of drug driving.

"People need to realise the impact it has and what the consequences are for drivers that choose to drive when they've got drugs in the system," she said.

"There should be more advertising especially on motorways. You drive up and down a lot of motorways and there's lots of signs about drink driving but sadly not any about drug driving.

"It's not necessarily getting the attention of the people that drug drive, it's getting the attention of the friends and the family so they can warn them as well.

Dean was killed on the A6120 Ring Road in Horsforth, Leeds, in May 2022, but no charges were brought against the driver.

Police tried to prosecute the 24-year-old for causing death by dangerous or careless driving but the Crown Prosecution Service did not authorise charges. In the meantime, the time limit to bring a lesser charge of drug driving elapsed.

Carol said: "My son was killed by someone that was drug driving and he got away with that. He walked away a free man and there has to be consequences, especially when you've killed somebody or seriously injured somebody."

Roads Minister Justin Madders said the new road safety strategy would consult on tougher measures for people who take drugs and drive.

"Everyone should feel safe on our roads. It is deeply upsetting to see that so many people in West Yorkshire have been killed or seriously injured as a result of motorists driving under the influence," he said.

"Driving on drugs can ruin lives, it is senseless and selfish."

Drug driving can lead to a driving ban, a criminal record, an unlimited fine and prison sentences.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Alison Lowe urged drivers to "think about the other people on the road".

"Drug driving is a choice and a choice easily not made. So please, think about your loved ones and only drive when you're safe to do so," she said.

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