Preventing Drink Driving – Employer Responsibility Reminder

Car leasing specialist Boss Automotive is reminding businesses of their duty of care to ensure employees driving as part of their work do not drive over the limit, with incidents expected to rise over Christmas and the New Year.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees while at work.
The Solihull-based company is urging companies to be extra vigilant at a time of the year when opportunities to drink alcohol increase.

Ken Davis, chief executive of Boss Automotive, which also provides vehicle schemes and fleet management services, said: “Firms need to keep tabs on every single employee who drives on business, for their own security as well as workers’ safety. Health and safety law applies to every single business trip and bosses can also be prosecuted for aiding and abetting offences such as driving vehicles that are illegal, without a licence or insurance or drink driving, which is prevalent at this time of year.”

Additionally, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, businesses have a responsibility to manage health and safety effectively. Firms need to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their employees, whilst at work and to other people who may be affected by their work activities.

Boss Automotive offers this service, plus also can help businesses put in place procedures to prevent offences, including awareness raising, training courses and licence checks.

Police forces nationwide launch crackdowns on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year when more incidents happen due to the party season.

During last year’s festive period blitz, West Midlands Police announced a significant reduction in the number of people getting behind the wheel when under the influence. A total of 2,226 drivers were tested in the force area with 8.6 per cent over the limit compared to 13.2 percent during the 2009 campaign.

Despite an overall fall, the figures show the number of drivers testing positive after an accident went up. Positive breath tests were given by 5.6 per cent of drivers who were tested after collisions this year, compared to 3.9 per cent of those tested in 2009.

AA president Edmund King said: “With driving to Christmas events a thing of the past for many, and a novelty for many newer drivers, we all need to be taking responsibility for each other this Christmas. Employers and party organisers need to make sure there are adequate soft drinks available at events, and should be encouraging partygoers to make arrangements for getting home before they set out.”