Fleet managers beware: Prescription drugs and your drivers
Charlotte Le Maire, a regulatory lawyer specialising in this domain at LMP Legal, has drawn attention to a troubling trend: drug driving. This issue demands immediate attention despite its discomforting nature. Much akin to driving under the influence of alcohol, drug driving poses a grave threat to road safety for all.
In the UK, driving under the influence of certain legal drugs or exceeding specified limits of certain substances in the bloodstream, even with a prescription, is illegal. Fleet managers must advise drivers who are prescribed drugs such as amphetamine, clonazepam, diazepam, and others to consult their healthcare professionals. Even legally prescribed drugs can impair driving capabilities significantly.
The repercussions for drug driving are severe, encompassing a minimum one-year driving ban, hefty fines, imprisonment, and a lasting criminal record. In cases where drug driving results in death due to careless driving, the penalty can extend to life imprisonment.
It’s imperative to recognise that legal drugs can impair drivers to a considerable extent, contributing to the alarming increase in drug driving incidents. Since March 2020, there has been a staggering 400% surge in drug driving cases, surpassing the 250% increase in drink driving during the same period. Notably, drug driving encompasses individuals under the influence of prescription drugs.
Testing your drivers for drug driving: Understanding the law
The escalation in mental health issues among young adults has paralleled the uptick in drug driving offenses. While illegal drugs undoubtedly contribute to this issue, prescribed medications, particularly anti-anxiety or relaxants, have also played a significant role in driving offenses during the pandemic. Even over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and cold remedies can impair driving abilities.
Companies must take proactive measures again drugged driving, including:
Educating directors and managers about drugs and alcohol misuse.
Training staff to recognise signs of drug and alcohol use.
Understanding how various drug categories affect driving.
Furthermore, discussing the legal consequences of drug and alcohol driving is crucial. Every driver should be aware that even legally prescribed drugs can lead to severe penalties if not used correctly and in accordance with the prescription. Additionally, drivers should carry their prescription with them at all times while driving.
Understanding the penalties for drug driving
In the event of a drug driving conviction, drivers may face:
A minimum 1-year driving ban
An unlimited fine
Up to 6 months in prison
A criminal record
Furthermore, their driving license will reflect the conviction for drugged driving, which will remain on record for 11 years.
This piece was originally post by our partners at Driving For Better Business. Fleetmaxx Solutions are proud to support Driving For Better Business and to offer our customers theVan Drivers Tool Kit to use to help improve their fleet management. Click here.
