Fit-to-drive declarations ‘more important’ as drink and drug driving increases
Fit-to-drive declarations are becoming “more important” in the light of increased levels of drink and drug driving reported by the police – and could even help to positively change overall attitudes to driving.
FleetCheck says the fit-to-drive declaration could help to positively change overall attitudes to driving
So says FleetCheck, adding that the self-certification, included in apps such as its Vehicle Inspection tool used for daily safety walkaround checks, provides a focal point for drivers and employers when it comes to their fitness to take to the road.
Peter Golding, managing director, said: “The first thing to say is that, while there is quite a lot of evidence that drink and especially drug driving is increasing, there is little to indicate that there is a particular problem in the fleet sector. Indeed, our suspicion is that thanks to the accent placed on safety by most fleets, that there is probably less occurring here.
“However, there is no doubt that it remains a very real risk and one that employers should be taking seriously. That is why fit-to-drive declarations are becoming more important. They provide a simple deterrent, which can be integrated easily into fleet policies, for drivers who might be tempted to take the wheel while under the influence.”
Golding added that fleets needed to reinforce such measures with education campaigns that showed drivers about the dangers of drink and drug-driving, while also making it clear that they were operating a zero tolerance approach. He explained: “It’s a dangerous and perhaps ill-informed assumption among some employees will know about behaving legally and responsibly in this area.”
Golding also said the fit-to-drive declaration was important for a wide range of reasons other than drink and drug driving – and could help to positively change attitudes to driving.
“It could be that someone who has flu asks themselves whether they really should be driving while ill, decides to do the safe thing and stay home. Even that the parent of a new baby who has had four hours’ sleep in three days believes they are just too tired. This is about something as fundamental as taking the task of driving at work seriously.”
drink drivingfitness to driveFleetCheck
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.
2 Comments
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Ean Lewin08. Nov, 2019
Declarations may be fine from the majority of employees, another aid to promote safer driving, but only for those those who are innocent of coming to work under the influence or suffering the hang-over effects of drink or drugs.
However, self declarations simply will not work for the ‘not so innocent’ employees who DO drink to excess on a school night or who DO take drugs.
As to whether or not those employees who drive ‘fleet’ cars are any better or worse because they are within a fleet environment, is a simple supposition. Unless the company properly screens for both drink and drugs, assuming it is safer remains just that, a guess.
The recent results from Merseyside police show 50% of the 1,000 plus drug drivers they caught last year were infact people who drove for work!
Results from many forces are showing drug driving is worse than drink!
The only real thing a Fleet Manager can do to improve protection for your drivers, their colleagues, the public from accidents or fatalities, and then to protect the brand, the company and you as Fleet Managers, is to Drug and Alcohol screen!
D. Tec International, supply every police force in England, Wales and now Scotland, and have been providing turnkey solutions to fleets across the country since 1996. We are helping companies in bus, coach and logistics as well as construction, waste, airlines and F1.
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Duncan Carmichael08. Nov, 2019
Hello Natalie,
While I understand that a “self declaration” has some benefit, surely more testing is needed? Ignition devices should be mandatory in HGV’s such that alcohol in the breath of the driver prevents starting. Drug test devices are low cost now, and more companies should be testing their drivers, rather than waiting for an accident to get action..