2.2 million Brits drive regularly for work high on drink and drugs, research shows
4 December 2018
New research published today indicates that 2.2 million UK road users who drive as part of their jobs are regularly taking to the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.
The study of more than 1,000 drivers, conducted by the research consultancy Opinium for mobile workforce management company BigChange and published as part of the Leaders for Life road safety campaign, revealed that one in 10 (nine percent) people who drive for work in the UK do so after consuming alcohol or illegal drugs at least once a week. Three percent of those who drive for work, some 700,000 people nationwide, drive under the influence of drink or drugs every day.
BigChange’s research also reveals that younger drivers are the worst culprits for drink or drug driving, with a quarter (25 percent) of 18-34 year olds admitting to doing so every week and 10 percent every day. Geographically, London come out as the worst place for driving under the influence, with one in four (26 percent) people who drive for work doing so each week.
As the Christmas party season gets into full swing, Martin Port, the road safety campaigner and CEO of BigChange, urges business leaders to take the steps necessary to to minimise the risk to their people and the public.
Martin Port comments:
“The findings of our research are truly astonishing. Any driver who takes to the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs creates unacceptable levels of risk to the public, and our research suggests than more than 2 million people who are trusted to drive as part of their jobs are putting lives on the line by doing this every week.”
“With the added risk of Christmas party season upon us, business leaders must take sensible steps to ensure they’re not inadvertently making it more likely that their people are taking to the roads while under the influence.”
Five step for safer driving this Christmas party season
- Avoid scheduling early morning appointments for the day after your Christmas Party
- Take care to hire people without a history of driving under the influence
- Provide transport or use a venue that can be accessed easily using public transport
- Consider subsidising hotel accommodation so people don’t feel tempted to drive home
- Be clear about your expectations and set a good example as leaders
Interestingly, a number of older bosses said they feel guilty of failing to ensure that their employees drive safely.
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