Company car drivers are more likely to drive under the influence of drink or drugs and take risks on distracted driving compared to private drivers, new research indicates.

The research indicates that far too many at-work drivers still don’t understand the dangers of driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol

A survey of more than 2,000 at-work drivers by IAM RoadSmart found 31% believe driving after using Class A drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy is acceptable, compared to 5% of non-company car drivers.

The survey also revealed that over a quarter (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.

The road safety charity’s Driving Safety Culture Report also found 21% of company car drivers had regularly or often ignored a red light within a 30-day window compared to 3% of other drivers. Meanwhile, 21% of at-work drivers often read a text or email whilst driving compared to 3% of other drivers. Even more dangerously, 19% said they often typed or sent a text while driving (compared to 2% of non-company car drivers).

Latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) reveal up to a third of all road incidents involve someone who is at work at the time; potentially accounting for more than 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.

IAM said the research showed that urgent action was needed to improve the behaviours of at-work drivers.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research, 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.

“IAM RoadSmart is calling on all fleet managers to adopt best practices such as checking licences, monitoring driver performance, and offering coaching to their most high-risk drivers. Not only will this save lives but also bring a direct benefit to the profitability and competitiveness of hard-pressed UK plc.”