Fleet World Workshop Tools
Car Tax Calculator
CO2 Calculator
Van Tax Calculator
BiK Rates Company Car Tax

Business drivers regularly getting behind wheel while over the limit

A total of 2.2 million Brits drive regularly for work high on drink and drugs, new research shows.

One in 10 (9%) people who drive for work in the UK do so after consuming alcohol or illegal drugs at least once a week

The study of more than 1,000 drivers, conducted by the research consultancy Opinium for mobile workforce technology company BigChange and published as part of the Leaders for Life road safety campaign, revealed that one in 10 (9%) people who drive for work in the UK do so after consuming alcohol or illegal drugs at least once a week. And the research found 3% 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%) of 18-34 year olds admitting to doing so every week and 10% every day.

Geographically, London come out as the worst place for driving under the influence, with one in four (26%) people who drive for work doing so each week.

Martin Port, CEO of BigChange, said: “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

For more of the latest industry news, click here.

Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.