The THINK! campaign has launched its 2026 summer drug driving campaign, urging motorists not to “Put Drugs in the Driving Seat” as new figures highlight the growing impact of drug-impaired driving on Britain’s roads.
Running throughout July and August, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the serious consequences of driving after taking drugs, particularly among young male drivers, who remain disproportionately represented in drug-driving collisions.
The latest campaign comes as the scale of the problem continues to increase. Between 2014 and 2023, driver fatalities involving drugs rose by 70%, while around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male. Four in every 10 are aged between 17 and 29, making young men the campaign’s primary audience.
Building on the successful “Don’t Put Drugs in the Driving Seat” campaign first launched in 2025, the initiative highlights how one poor decision can quickly spiral into life-changing consequences, including arrest, a criminal record, imprisonment and the loss of future opportunities.
The campaign reminds motorists that drugs remain in the body far longer than many people realise, meaning drivers could fail a roadside drug test days after taking them. A conviction for drug driving can result in a criminal record, the loss of employment opportunities and significant impacts on family life, in addition to the risk of causing serious or fatal collisions.
To maximise its reach during the busy summer period, the campaign will run across a wide range of media channels from 1 July until 31 August. Activity includes online video, paid social media, digital audio advertising, cinema advertising, roadside digital screens, bus shelters, petrol stations, convenience stores, pubs, bars and festival advertising. The campaign also includes tailored content for platforms popular with younger audiences, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit and YouTube.
Alongside national advertising, THINK! has produced a comprehensive suite of free campaign materials for partners, including videos, social media graphics, posters, digital out-of-home content, audio adverts and Welsh-language resources. Stakeholders are encouraged to share campaign content across their own channels to amplify the message throughout the summer.
Organisations wishing to support the campaign can access the full range of campaign assets via the THINK! Campaigns website.
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