Operators need to be proactive in combating the issue of the possibility of drivers operating their vehicles when under the influence of alcohol, industry suppliers have warned with the annual Operation Limit police campaign due to start on 1 December.
D.tec International, which promoted its drink and drug testing systems at Euro Bus Expo this month, says December is the ideal time for operators to reinforce their zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving.
Dan Jones, UK Technical Training and Sales Manager, says: “Internal checks, proactive testing, and continuous monitoring are essential actions that communicate to passengers and employees alike that safety is integral to the business. To effectively prevent drink and drug driving, operators need robust, clear policies.”
Meanwhile, AlcoDigital highlighted its Drivealyzer product at Euro Bus Expo. The on-vehicle breathalyser system, rather than merely prevent the vehicle from being able to be driven if the driver is not fit to drive, can be linked to telematics, providing operators with greater power.
Suzannah Robin, Alcodital Director of Operations, says: “With telematics, a company can be proactive if there’s an issue. They’ll be notified of who the driver, they can get someone else out to remove the driver, move the vehicle and continue the service.”
The problem of professional drivers being over the limit is not merely limited to instances of “night before” drinking, Ms Robin adds, suggesting the issue should not be underestimated.
“As mad as it sounds, it’s not out of the realms of possibility that someone with alcohol dependency could be working in this environment and drinking while they’re driving,” she says. “So, the whole point of the telematics system is to flag up if there’s an issue and enable the company to react to it immediately.”
