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A survey by driver risk management and road safety training provider TTC has found that one in 10 respondents admitted to having ‘knowingly driven after having more than the legal limit’.
With the Christmas period quickly approaching, it is important that drivers of fleet vehicles understand the importance of appropriate driving behaviour, especially concerning the consumption of alcohol and drugs. The consequences of driving under the influence are severe and can significantly impact not only the individual, but their employer also.
UK law states that the legal alcohol limit for driving in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. It is also a criminal offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood, some of which are legal and can be prescribed by a doctor.
Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs include a criminal record, a maximum of six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and an automatic driving ban of at least one year (or three years if convicted twice in 10 years).
Other penalties aside, a driving ban can be catastrophic for individuals and businesses. If a commercial vehicle driver is banned from driving for over a year, their livelihood is lost and their employer is left without one of their drivers for a long period of time. With driver shortages remaining an issue in the logistics industry, the impact of losing drivers to drink or drug driving offences should not be underplayed.
It is unlawful for an organisation to continue employing a driver who has received a driving ban and any firm knowingly doing so would open itself up to lawsuits, which could lead to fines and costly legal processes.
Results from the aforementioned TTC survey reveal a lack of knowledge when it comes to regulation and penalties. According to TTC, one in four motorists confessed that they don’t know the legal drink drive limit, while 64% wrongly believed a first conviction could come with a driving ban of as little as six months.
Sharon Haynes, director of police & court referred at TTC, commented: “Drivers don’t have to be over the limit to increase their risk, but our survey results suggest drivers and passengers have a much too relaxed view of drink or drug driving. All too often this is simply due to a lack of awareness of the impact alcohol and medicinal and recreational drugs have on our senses and ability to drive safely.
“Whether employees are driving a company car or their own vehicle, if they are driving for work the company still has a duty of care, so these findings suggest there is a significant opportunity for employers to educate their employees and help reduce risk. Read more
Source: LOGISTICS MANAGER
