Delegates heard about the latest legislation and impact of drink and drug driving at a session by safety and medical technology provider Dräger.

Mark Burrup, Dräger regional application manager (Impairment), took to the Driver Safety Zone stand at Safety and Health Expo 2015 to discuss the latest techniques, the law and the costly effect that driver impairment can have on individuals, business and society. 

As well as learning the key statistics, delegates also learned how to implement a company drug and alcohol policy, the rationale behind drug and alcohol testing and about the various methods available.

During Health and Safety Week, delegates learned that 1,360 people were killed or seriously injured because of impaired driving across the UK during 2013 – with a cost of £1.6million to society for a fatality. During the same period, more than 8,390 people were injured due to drink driving.

Delegates also heard that drug users are more likely to drive under the influence than alcohol users – and more often. Men were 3.5 times more likely to drive under the influence of drugs than women.

Burrup said: “The recent legislation changes are part of a wider policy to crack down on the menace of drug driving.

“This is a serious offence and the consequences can be devastating – with scores of people killed or injured on our roads every year because of drug drivers.

“A lot still needs to be done in terms of education about the changes in law and what it means for individuals, businesses and for society. Even people with prescribed medication need to be aware of the drug drive limits and if they are in any doubt whatsoever, they should consult their doctor.”

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