IAM RoadSmart has expressed concerns about the percentage of at-work drivers who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drink and drugs.
The concerns follow the findings of a survey, which the charity says has revealed the stark difference between the behaviours of company car drivers and other road users
The survey, which questioned the safety attitudes and behaviours of more than 2,000 motorists, found 31% of those driving for work believe driving after using Class A drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy is acceptable, compared to 5% of non-company car drivers.
More than a quarter of company car drivers (26%) felt it was acceptable to drive when they may have drunk too much alcohol, and 24% would drive after using cannabis.
In both cases, only 5% of non-company car drivers felt it was acceptable.
Elsewhere, 21% of company car drivers had regularly or often ignored a red light within a 30-day window, compared to 3% of other drivers.
The survey also found that 21% of at-work drivers often read a text or email while driving. Again, only 3% of other drivers admitted to this.
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It is incredibly concerning that this latest research shows we still have far too many drivers who don’t understand the dangers of driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and not acknowledging the danger they pose to themselves.
“By choosing to ignore key safety features like red lights or even using social media whilst driving, you are putting yourself at much higher risk of being involved in a crash.
“With a third of all incidents involving people driving for work on UK roads, businesses also need to hold themselves accountable for the responsibility they play in keeping their workers and other road users safe.”
The latest figures from the DfT show up to a third of all road incidents involve someone who is at work at the time.
Mark Cartwright, lead for Driving for Better Business at National Highways, said: “It astounds me how many organisations I see with strong, robust health and safety management who fail to apply the same expertise and energy to mitigating their road risk for their employees.
“People who die or are injured on roads are not statistics – they are families, friends and colleagues devastated. It’s personal and simply unacceptable.
“At National Highways safety is at the forefront of every decision we make and we urge employers to manage the risk their employees are exposed to.”
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