The workshop is expected to increase 'conscious awareness' amongst those who drive for work and/or operate workplace machinery, of the impact and consequences of taking drugs, as casualties in relation to drug-driving has increased 260% in the past 12 years.
The moral and legal implications of drink-driving and alcohol misuse in the workplace are widely recognised, however, TTC believes the same cannot be said about drugs. In fact, the scale of the problem is highlighted by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) arrest data following a campaign of roadside testing in December 2023. Alarmingly, the data suggested that in England and Wales, 48.5% of drug tests were positive, while 9.5% of breath tests for alcohol were positive.
Andy Wheeler, training product manager at TTC, said: “With an estimated 14 million fleet drivers, including grey fleet, on the UK's roads today, this could represent a staggering 675k employees that may be drug-driving, unintentionally or otherwise. Prevention is better than cure and our new dedicated online workshop arms employees with the knowledge needed to make a conscious and informed decision before taking drugs or prescribed medicine and driving. Importantly, it also helps employers and employees recognise the signs of drug use in others and guides them on how to take appropriate action responsibly.”
The 3.5-hour workshop covers the impact of prescribed medication, such as painkillers and the three main types of drugs – depressants: cannabis and heroin, stimulants: cocaine and ecstasy and hallucinogens: ketamine and LSD. The workshop explores their effects on driving and the use of machinery as well as covering common signs of drug use, police powers to stop drug-driving including roadside testing, and the law relating to drug-driving. To bring this information to life, the workshop uses real-life case studies that demonstrate the consequences of drug driving on drivers, their families, and employers. Crucially, the workshop has been designed with insight from psychologists, communicators and road safety experts to ensure it engages with and motivates learners.
Andy Wheeler, training manager at TTC, concluded: "It is staggering that almost half of all NPCC roadside drug tests were positive last December. There is clearly a disconnect between drug taking and driving under the influence of drugs and I suspect, many drivers are naïve about the law and the risk of arrest or collision, even after a small intake of recreational drugs. All employers have a duty of care to their employees and can help build conscious awareness by educating their staff on drug use before they get behind the wheel. Proactive employers will not only help avoid absenteeism, lost productivity and output but could prevent the loss of driving a licence, serious harm or injury to employees and their colleagues on the move."
