YOUNG drivers are still failing to heed warnings about drink and drug driving.

YOUNG drivers are still failing to heed warnings about drink and drug driving.

A poll by Co-operative Insurance revealed 55% of youngsters are still getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Historically, drink driving has been the catalyst for motoring convictions, however the figures suggest that drug driving in Scotland is on the rise, with 41% of young drivers polled admitting to driving under the influence of illegal drugs and 51% under the influence of alcohol.

David Neave, director of general insurance at the Co-op, said: "These figures are very concerning especially with reports warning that illegal drug use in the UK is on the increase."

The characteristics of drug driving are extremely wide-ranging depending on what has been taken and the effects can last for up to a 48 hours, meaning that many passengers may be unknowingly putting their lives at risk by accepting a lift in a car being driven by someone under the influence.

Research by the Transport Research Laboratory has found that 17% of drivers who die in road traffic accidents have traces of illegal drugs in their system which may have affected their driving.