Fleet operators are being encouraged to step up their drug and alcohol policies with the help of new resources from the Global Fleet Champions campaign.

Produced in partnership with D.Tec International, the new resources include a short-animated film called Fit to drive: Drug and alcohol testing for a safer fleet and four posters aimed at different professional drivers have been created.

The film highlights the benefits of introducing stronger drug and alcohol policies and regularly testing drivers to make ensure they are fit to be behind the wheel.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, said: “Fleet operators should do all they can to protect their drivers and the public from the risks associated with drink and drug driving. Regular testing of employees can help make sure they are not impaired by these substances and are fit to be behind the wheel. We hope fleets can use these new resources to review their drug and alcohol policies and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Fleet operators are being urged to step up their drug and alcohol policies as police reported drug tests submitted to D.Tec suggest around 30,000 people are prosecuted each year for drug-driving in Britain or more than 80 a day.

According to the International Transport Forum, it is estimated that around 273,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes each year.

The Global Fleet Champions campaign emphasises the consequences of drink and drug driving. If a driver is drinking or taking drugs, they could lose their licence and face a prison sentence.

Ean Lewis, managing director at D.Tech, said: “Managers of fleets have to realise that they are proportionately liable in the eyes of the law and the only way to reduce this is to educate their employees on the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. D.Tec work with employers to weed out the not so innocent minority, by screening for drug or alcohol misuse.

“Fleet managers need to take responsibility and do all they can to ensure their employees are fit to drive. Putting an effective deterrent in place should also help alleviate the pressure these employees are putting on valuable police resources.”

Global Fleet Champions believe that it is ‘vital that fleet organisations have robust drug and alcohol policies that commit them to carrying out screening tests. Drivers should be tested randomly, after a crash, and when they are recruited.’

Global Fleet Champions is a not-for-profit global campaign to prevent crashes and reduce pollution caused by vehicles used for work purposes.

You can watch the film here.

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