Employers are being warned about the risks of drink and drug-driving, with incidents involving at-work drivers commonplace, new research suggests.
More than half (52%) of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have experienced a drink-driving incident in the past three years, with 54% saying the incidents had a damaging effect on their business, according to IAM RoadSmart.
With more than half (59%) of businesses expecting some of their employees to drive for work the day after their Christmas party, the chance of a drink-driving incident occurring is considerably higher, it warns.
Despite the risk, only one in five (19%) companies test their business drivers for alcohol in their system daily over the festive period.
On top of this, almost half (48%) of firms fail to provide any drink-driving awareness training to staff at this time of year, with more than a third (35%) waiting until a drink-driving incident has occurred before taking any action.
The survey from the road safety charity included 250 HR directors and business owners at UK SMEs that employ people who drive as part of their job.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It would seem many businesses are failing to properly educate drivers or even test them for alcohol, particularly during the festive season when drink drive occurrences rise.
“Not only is drink-driving a significant danger to business drivers and other road users, but it can also inflict serious reputational harm on firms and cause their repair costs and insurance premiums to soar.
“Companies should switch from a reactive to a proactive stance, taking steps to ensure drivers are aware of the risks and, in doing so, minimise the chance of an incident occurring.
“Businesses should also consider ways to reduce the risks associated with the office Christmas party, such as throwing it at the end of the week when employees don’t need to drive the next day; offering accommodation or transport; or putting on an alcohol-free bash.”
Source: Fleet News