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Green Flag backs a major anti-drug drive campaign
15 March 2007
A campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of drugs and driving among motorists and passengers in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire is getting the backing of a major motoring assistance company.
Green Flag Motoring Assistance is backing the campaign aimed at 17-25 year-olds due to be rolled out across the region from March 15, 2007 in a bid to change their attitudes to drugs and driving.
Advertising on three local radio stations will carry the campaign message: 'Drug driving - you'd be off your head'. Posters and leaflets will also be distributed throughout colleges, bars and clubs in the region's cities and large towns. An online survey to find out people's attitudes to driving under the influence of drugs is also underway.
The main messages of the campaign are that drug driving is illegal, it increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash and the penalties, if caught, are severe. Green Flag, which is a funding partner in the initiative, will promote awareness of the issue to its 5m customers.
Spokesperson Nigel Charlesworth said: "We have the safety of all road users at the heart of our operation and are proud to support a campaign that directs such a strong message."
Almost one-in-five people killed in road crashes had traces of illegal drugs in their blood, with cannabis being the most common (1).
Driving while under the influence of drugs carries the same penalty as for drink driving. Drivers prosecuted could face a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine of up to *£5,000 and six months jail (2).
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Images are available on email. Contact the press office.
- Green Flag Motoring Assistance provides roadside rescue and recovery to 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sources:
- Driving for Work: Drink and Drugs (RoSPA) www.rospa.co.uk
- Department for Transport THINK! Road Safety www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
Media calls
For further information contact Philippa Naylor or Nigel Charlesworth at Green Flag on 0113 399 1387/1427 (out of hours 07711 964 615).
Public-relations@greenflag.com
Calls may be monitored and / or recorded.
