POLICE forces across the North-East are today joining forces to hammer home the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs.

Police chiefs say that young people in particular are unaware of the risks and the penalties they may face if caught.

A series of deaths in the region in recent years has highlighted a growing trend among drivers to take to the roads after taking anything from cannabis and LSD to cocaine and Ecstasy.

Police forces in Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria have teamed up with local drug action teams to raise awareness of drug-driving.

Chief Inspector Neil Minto, of Northumbria Police, said: "Drug-driving is an increasing problem. Drivers need to know that it is an offence, with the same penalties as drink-driving - up to six months in prison, a £5,000 fine and the loss of your driving licence - and lengthy prison sentences are likely where drug-driving causes death."

Last year, Durham Police revealed that more than half of fatal accidents in the county involved drivers who had taken drugs.

The force is training its 130 traffic officers to identify the symptoms of drug abuse, and to enable them to carry out "field impairment tests" on drivers suspected of taking elicit or prescription drugs.

Acting Chief Inspector Wilf Lavery, head of traffic, said: "There is a naivety, particularly among young people, about the effects of recreational drugs on their driving, which is ironic, as the very same people often fully recognise the perils of drink-driving."

Recent studies by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) reveal that, in comparison with a decade ago, six times as many people are killed in road accidents with traces of illegal substances in their bodies.

Pilot tests have been carried out in the Cleveland Police area involving the taking of mouth swabs at the roadside, which are designed to test for drugs - but no simple roadside drug test is yet widely available.

Khalid Azam, head of drugs strategy for Stockton Drugs Action Team, said: "We all know drink and driving don't mix - we now need to get across the same message about drugs."

* Anyone wanting information and advice about drugs can contact 0800 776600.