For the first time last year, Finnish police found the same number of drivers who had been weakened by illegal drugs and medicines other than those under the influence of alcohol.
Police seized just over 12,000 intoxicated drivers last year.
Although the number of drunk drivers has been steadily declining for several years, the number of people driving under the influence of illegal drugs and other substances has increased significantly, police added.
The majority of driving under the influence of substances other than alcohol was between 25 and 34 years old.
"Whereas there has also been an increase in the number of drinkers in this age group who have drunk alcohol, which means those with a blood alcohol content of less than 0.5 milligrams," said Petri Varjos, forensic expert from the National Investigation Office.
The data show large regional differences. The Helsinki Police Department reported drugs and other substances to intoxicated drivers that contained twice as often as alcohol.
Instead, the Eastern Finland Police Department found that alcohol was still by far the most common drug.
Source: The Nordic Page