One in three under-25s admit to drink-driving

A new poll showed 37 per cent of young drivers have driven under the influence of alcohol.

And almost a fifth ? 18 per cent ? have taken drugs before driving.

Co-operative Insurance asked 2,079 drivers aged between 17 and 25 if they?ve ever driven under the influence and 1,143 said yes.

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The survey was carried out on 2young2die.org.uk, a website created to teach young drivers and passengers about ?the carnage caused by bad driving?.

Road crashes are still the main cause of death for young people. Drivers take extreme risks such as speeding, overtaking on blind corners and driving while drunk or drugged, according to the survey.

Director of general insurance for Co-operative Insurance David Neave said: ?It?s important that those who have driven under the influence understand they are not only putting themselves at risk but others too.

?Our message is simple ? think first and don?t even contemplate driving under the influence.?

As well as being illegal, amphetamines such as speed cause drivers to feel invincible and take dangerous risks. Cannabis and other relaxant drugs can lower reaction times and inhibit multi-tasking ? which is important for holding the steering wheel and changing gear.

The effects of drugs can include:
? Slow reaction times
? Poor concentration
? Tiredness
? Confused thinking
? Distorted perceptions
? Over-confidence
The effects can last for up to a day after taking the drug, putting many passengers? lives at risk who are unaware of the driver?s condition.

A spokesperson for road safety charity Brake said: ?These survey results are extremely worrying ? by getting behind a wheel, these drivers are risking their lives, their passengers? lives and other road users.

?If you know you?re going to be drinking, make sure you designate someone else to drive you home or arrange an alternative means of travel.?

Being caught drink or drug-driving will result in a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in jail