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The number of incidents involving motorists under the influence of nitrous oxide - also known as 'hippy crack' - is a growing trend, according to police officers. This month, officers are raising awareness on what they described as Fatal 4 offences which are drink and drug driving, distraction, including the use of mobile phones, speeding and the use of seatbelts. Driving under the influence is the second biggest cause of casualties and people killed or seriously injured.
It is well-known the effects alcohol and how drugs such as cannabis and cocaine can have on driving capability. READ MORE: Nitrous Oxide ban welcomed in Bolton where is an issue Deane Road motorists being warned they will not get away with speeding Bolton Council addressing speeding with speed cameras with a twist Driver, 19, killed three passengers after inhaling laughing gas, court hears But specialised traffic officers say they are seeing the use of nitrous oxide as a trending factor in incidents they attend, which is a banned Class C drug since November 2023. Generally, that nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’ is reported to produce euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, giggling or laughing fits, impaired judgement and occasionally dissociation and hallucinations.
And it has shown to have a deleterious effect on reaction time and likely lead to impairment in driving performance, particularly when faced with an unexpected or hazardous situation. Police say they use a range of tactics, vehicles and specialist resources to protect communities by disrupting criminal activity who use the road network, reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads and use education and enforcement at roadside operations to check and test motorists. Chief Inspector Michael Parker from our Roads Policing Unit said, “Being under the influence of drink or drugs when behind the wheel can severely impair your capability to drive and puts lives at serious risk.
“As a unit we are constantly patrolling the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, driving under the influence or having no insurance. Our proactive approach to keeping the roads safe is working as it can be evidenced that we have seen a four per cent decrease in traffic related incidents across Greater Manchester over the last 12 months. “The consequences of drink and drug driving outweigh the risk of trying to get away with it, which includes substantial fines, driving bans and jail sentences.
As it takes time to leave your system motorists may be unaware that they could still be under the influence the next day. Coffee, breakfast or paracetamol won’t sober you up, only time will.” Greater Manchester Police stresses it is committed to working with road safety partners across Greater Manchester on Vision Zero – to end deaths and life-changing injuries on our roads by 2040.
For more key information on drink and drug driving, the effects and consequences of breaking the law, visit: Alcohol and drug driving | Greater Manchester Police To report a dangerous or irresponsible driver, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also submit dash or cycle cam footage through an online portal on our website under Operation Snap: Operation Snap | Greater Manchester Police.
