When people think about impaired driving, alcohol usually comes to mind first. But drug driving, including some legally prescribed medicines, is a significant risk for any organisation with employees who drive for work.
This article is a general introduction for awareness only and is not legal advice.
The law in brief
In England and Wales, it is an offence to drive while unfit through drink or drugs. Since 2015, it has also been an offence to drive with certain specified drugs in your body above set limits, whether or not your driving appears impaired.
The specified drugs include several illegal substances and a number of prescription medicines. For prescription medicines, there can be a medical defence where the medicine has been taken as directed and the driver's driving is not impaired.
Why this matters for employers
Employers have a duty to manage work-related road risk, just as they manage other workplace risks. A vehicle used for work is, in effect, a workplace. If an employee who drives for you is involved in a collision while impaired, the consequences can extend well beyond the driver.
Five practical steps
- Include drugs, not just alcohol, in your policy, and make sure it covers prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.
- Help drivers understand their responsibilities, including checking with a pharmacist or GP if a medicine could affect their driving.
- Train managers to recognise potential concerns and know what to do if a driver may be unfit.
- Make it easy to speak up. Drivers should feel able to declare a medication or a problem without fear.
- Record and review. Keep factual records and use them to improve your approach.
The safest approach
Drug and alcohol effects vary from person to person and can last longer than people expect. Drivers should never assume they are safe to drive.
Our driver drug and alcohol awareness sessions help drivers understand the risks and their responsibilities. If you'd like to discuss your fleet, start a conversation.