RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
January 10, 2003
NEW COURSE FOR FLEETS TO BEAT DRINK-DRIVE MENACE
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has called on fleet bosses to play their part in beating the drink-drive menace, after reports revealed no recent progress in tackling the problem.
Figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show that nearly nine per cent of drivers tested after collisions during the Christmas and New Year period failed a breath test – the highest percentage since 1997/1998.
Charles Davis, RoSPA Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: “Many of those stopped are likely to have been people who drive as part of their job. A ban could have disastrous consequences for them and also cause major problems for their employers.
“Fleet managers have a responsibility to their company, their employees and other road users to ensure that those driving for them are never over the limit when on the road.
“But many people still do not understand how easy it is to fail a breath test, especially the morning after a few drinks. People who test positive next day often say they wish they had been given the knowledge to prevent them facing a ban.”
RoSPA is now offering one-day courses for employees to learn more about issues such as the strength of different types of alcoholic drink and how little it takes to be “over the limit”. It is not only aimed at fleet drivers, as employees who use their car for commuting may not be able to get to work if they are banned.
The course also looks at the dangers of taking drugs and driving – particularly everyday over-the-counter drugs which can cause drowsiness and affect concentration.
“We believe all fleet managers and human resources departments need to address these issues,” Charles Davis said. “Courses can be held in-company or at RoSPA headquarters. For details, ring 0121 248 2105.”
RoSPA has called for the drink-drive limit to be lowered from 80mg to 50mg - a measure which could save 50 lives and prevent 250 serious injuries and 1,200 slight injuries each year. At levels between 50mg and 80mg drivers are 2 – 4 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than drivers with no alcohol in their blood.
