A campaign to educate people about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs is being launched on the Isle of Man. Health officials want people to know about the effects of both illegal and legal drugs on motorists.
Cannabis can impair concentration and affect a driver’s reaction times, but so can anti-depressants and painkillers, they said.
The launch was being held at Noble’s Hospital on Wednesday.
The Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) said many drivers were unaware of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs.
It said the consequences were serious and fatal injuries to the driver, passengers and other road users, including pedestrians.
The Isle of Man Constabulary treats drug driving in the same way as drink driving 
Sgt John Kinrade
Dawn Henley, Senior Health Promotion Officer said: “Both illegal and medicinal drugs can impact on a driver’s ability to drive safely.
“A driver may not realise until it is too late and as a consequence they are unable to react quickly to a hazard or situation on the road.”
Health officials are urging those with prescription drugs to read the small print on their medicines.
Meanwhile, police say the penalties for those found drug-driving will be severe.
Sgt John Kinrade said: “The Isle of Man Constabulary treats drug driving in the same way as drink driving.
“The offence is the same, as are the penalties.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/isle_of_man/5405120.stm
