Nearly one in three drug-drivers using multiple substances

Almost 30% of drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs had taken more than one substance at the same time, new figures show. The data comes from Belgium’s National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology (NICC).

Last year, the NICC analysed 8,289 saliva samples at the request of police and courts. Nearly 88% tested positive for drugs. These tests were only carried out when there was already a strong suspicion of drug use, such as after a positive roadside test.

The share of drivers using multiple drugs has risen sharply, from 20% five years ago to almost 30% today. The most common combination is cannabis and cocaine, which was found in more than half of these cases.

The NICC warns that mixing drugs greatly increases the risk on the road. Studies show that cannabis doubles the risk of serious injury or death, while amphetamines raise the risk by up to 30 times. Using several drugs together is even more dangerous, as their effects can strengthen each other.

The institute also warns about the growing presence of ketamine. While only 6% of drivers tested positive for the drug, ketamine is appearing more often in lab results. The NICC says it is no longer just a “party drug” and can cause disorientation and hallucinations, which are extremely dangerous when driving.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}