DRIVERS risking death by driving while drugged are the target of a police crackdown to remove the menace from the roads.

North Yorkshire Police are focusing on drugged drivers as part of National Tackling Drugs Week to make the roads safer.

It is designed to send a message to those taking drugs that they are under surveillance and to show the matter is being dealt with.

Police officers will carry out tests on drivers suspected to be under the influence of drugs.

These include a pupil dilation test to check for evidence of drug use and the touching of a finger to the nose with closed eyes to check co-ordination.

Drivers will also have to do a counting test, stand on one foot to check for balance and walk in a straight line for nine paces to check balance and co-ordination.

Inspector Dave Brown, head of strategic roads policing said: "Drug-driving is as dangerous as drink-driving.

"Many people naively believe that it is not dangerous, are unaware of the penalties and think the police do not check for drug-driving.

"We can assure them that we do carry out road-side testing, and anyone found under the influence of drugs can face up to six months in prison, a very heavy fine along with a driving ban.

"The conviction will remain on their licence for 11 years.

"If you kill or injure someone, the penalties are much higher, including having a death on your conscience for the rest of your life."

He added that the current scheme was as much about educating drivers as punishing them.

Insp Brown added: "Through increased enforcement and education, we aim to make drug-driving as socially unacceptable as drink-driving.

"Our officers will be out in force year-round looking out for these people who risk not only their own lives, but that of their passengers and other road users.

"I appeal to friends and families of these people - you wouldn't get in a car with a driver who had been drinking, so don’t get in one with a driver who abuses drugs.

"The consequences are just as deadly."

To report drug or drink-driving call police on 0845-6060-247 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.