Driving schools across the Keighley district are backing a call to introduce questions on the consequences of driving under the influence of Drugs into the theory test syllabus.

This comes as driver training school BSM launches a campaign for the inclusion of drugs awareness into the syllabus.

The campaign was launched as new statistics showed fatalities caused by drug-driving rose from 18 per cent to 25 per cent in the last three years.

"We are missing a golden opportunity to use the theory test to alert new drivers to the very real dangers of drug-driving," said Paul Atkinson, BSM managing director.

Thomas Moran, an instructor at Queens Road Driving School, Westburn Avenue, Keighley, called the campaign " wonderful".

"This should have been introduced long since. Drugs make people too confident and they don't act responsibly under their influence," Mr Moran said.

He hopes that the proposed changes in the test syllabus will increase awareness among the public about the existence of an increasing number of people taking drugs and driving. "If it saves one person from being killed then it's worth it," he said.

Haworth man Frank Parkin, of Skipton and Craven Advanced Motorists Group, also welcomed the campaign, but urged for a broader view of the problem to be taken.

"There is also a problem with prescription drugs. Very often people don't read the instructions inside the leaflet, such as 'makes you drowsy', thus putting other road users at risk," said Mr Parkin.

"So there is a problem with older as well as young drivers."

Mr Parkin is hopeful that the new syllabus will increase awareness among drivers.

"There should be some sort of detection or screening device like there is for alcohol," he said.

BSM officials hope that if the suggested changes to the current syllabus are introduced they will "offer a timely reminder of the consequences of taking illicit drugs and driving".