A major new drug driving campaign, the first in ten years, was launched this week.
It was issued by the government-backed THINK! initiative, warning motorists that a single reckless choice can have life-changing consequences.
The campaign seeks to halt rising drug-driving incidents and prevent further tragedies on UK roads.
Using police data, targeted online adverts will appear in drug-driving hotspots across England and Wales and coincide with increased police enforcement activity.
Young men are a primary focus.
Department for Transport figures show that around 90 per cent of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male, and four in ten are aged between 17 and 30.
The latest analysis also reveals a significant rise in drug-related collisions over the past decade, with driver fatalities involving drugs increasing by 70 per cent between 2014 and 2023.
Operators
Drug driving can have serious consequences for Operators too.
They need to ensure they have appropriate measures in place to minimise the risk.
All operators must have a clear and comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Policy.
This should be provided to all drivers when they start work and signed receipt acknowledged.
Operators must have a disciplinary policy which can robustly deal with instances of alcohol and drug use.
Operators should implement a random drug and alcohol testing programme.
However, Operators should be aware of the HSE guidance which states that:
- Employees must consent to screening
- Screening by itself will not solve problems caused by drug and alcohol misuse and, where introduced, should be part of a company’s overall health and safety policy
- Screening must be carried out properly to ensure samples cannot be contaminated or tampered with, and that testing procedures and analysis are accurate
- Employees can’t be made to take a test but, if they refuse when an employer has good grounds for testing, they may face disciplinary action
Operators also need to remember that they must report driver convictions, including for drug or drink driving, to the Traffic Commissioner within 28 days of the conviction date.
Our specialist team can support you with compliance awareness so that you do not get caught out by changes. Contact Jared Dunbar today for help.