The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched its first national THINK! Campaign on drug driving in over a decade, shining a spotlight on an issue that continues to pose a serious risk on UK roads.
The campaign has also been highlighted by Fleet News, which explores why fleet operators should take notice and how employers can play a key role in tackling drug driving. You can read the article here: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/dft-targets-drug-driving-in-latest-think-campaign
For organisations with employees who drive for work, the campaign is a timely reminder that managing driver impairment extends beyond alcohol. Recreational drugs, prescription medication and even some over-the-counter medicines can all affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
As employers continue to strengthen their duty of care responsibilities, now is an ideal opportunity to reinforce the message that every driver should ask themselves one simple question before every journey:
“Am I fit to drive?”
Drug driving is a growing road safety concern.
The DfT’s latest campaign comes as evidence shows drug driving is becoming an increasingly significant contributor to fatal collisions.
Recent government statistics show that driver fatalities where drugs were present have increased by 70% over the last decade, while almost 27,000 people are convicted of drug driving each year in England and Wales.
Despite these figures, awareness remains relatively low. Many drivers still associate drug driving solely with illegal substances and are unaware that some prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines can impair driving or lead to prosecution.
This knowledge gap represents a real challenge for employers managing occupational road risk.
Driver impairment isn’t just about illegal drugs.
Alcohol has long been recognised as a significant road safety issue, but impairment can arise from many different sources.
These include:
- Illegal and recreational drugs
- Prescription medication
- Certain over-the-counter medicines
- Alcohol consumed the night before driving
- Combinations of alcohol and medication
One of the most common misconceptions is that if a driver feels fine, they are safe to drive. However, alcohol and drugs can continue to impair reaction times, judgement and concentration long after the immediate effects appear to have worn off.
For employers, ensuring drivers understand these risks is just as important as having policies in place.
The employer’s role
Organisations have a legal and moral responsibility to help protect employees who drive for work, as well as other road users.
A robust driver safety programme should include:
- Clear policies on drugs and alcohol
- Regular communication and awareness campaigns
- Training that explains how impairment affects driving
- Guidance on prescription medications and fitness to drive
- Encouraging drivers to speak up if they are unsure whether they are safe to drive
Education is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce risk. Short, targeted learning can help employees recognise impairment, challenge misconceptions and make safer decisions before getting behind the wheel.
Supporting the DfT campaign
The DfT’s campaign provides an excellent opportunity for employers to reinforce their own driver safety messages.
By aligning internal communications with the national campaign, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to road safety while helping employees better understand the risks associated with alcohol and drugs.
At TTC, we have developed a suite of digital learning tools designed to support organisations in delivering these important messages.
Impairment Through Drugs & Alcohol
Our 20-minute eLearning module helps drivers understand:
- What it really means to be fit to drive
- The impact of alcohol and drugs on driving ability
- The consequences of impaired driving
- The effects of recreational and prescribed drugs
- How to make safer decisions before driving
The Morning After
Our 3-minute micro-learning module tackles one of the most overlooked risks: residual alcohol impairment.
It highlights how alcohol can continue to affect driving the morning after drinking has stopped, even when someone feels perfectly capable of driving.
Together, these modules provide an accessible, engaging way to reinforce safe driving behaviours across your workforce.
A timely opportunity to improve driver safety
The DfT’s renewed focus on drug driving is an important reminder that impairment is a risk every organisation should take seriously.
Whether your employees drive company vehicles or use their own vehicles for work, helping them understand the risks associated with alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription medication is an essential part of creating a safer driving culture.
Awareness alone will not eliminate risk, but education can make a meaningful difference.
To support organisations during the DfT campaign, TTC is offering a special promotion on its impairment training:
- Impairment Through Drugs & Alcohol (20-minute eLearning): £2.45 per learner
- Bundle with The Morning After (3-minute mini module): £2.95 per learner
If you are looking to support your drivers during the DfT’s latest campaign, TTC’s driver impairment training offers a simple, cost-effective way to reinforce key messages and help ensure every journey starts with one important question:
Am I fit to drive?
