According to Hibernian’s 2008 Motoring Report, 10% of motorists and 20% of young motorists (under 35yrs), admitted to having driven while under the influence of recreational drugs. With an estimated driving population of approximately 2.5m drivers, the threat to road safety from this behaviour is obviously very significant.

Regionally, Dublin shows the highest incidence of driving under the influence of recreational drugs at 16%. The rest of Leinster (excluding Dublin) and Munster recorded a 9% incidence and Connaught/Ulster recorded a 5% incidence.

The research did show increases in support for greater road safety enforcement and also strong support for newly introduced road safety measures. Almost 70% believe that the introduction of safety cameras has had a positive impact on road safety and 63% say that the use of speed cameras should be increased to enforce speed limits. Other key findings in the Hibernian report show that Ireland’s drivers blame ‘other’ road users rather than accepting some personal responsibility themselves for some of the problems on our roads. When asked if they see themselves as law abiding 93% said yes. Yet half of drivers aged under 35 and one third of drivers aged over 35 admitted to speeding most days.