Drink, Drugs, and Other Driver Distractions: A Growing Concern for Businesses

Do you run a haulage firm? Do any of your employees drive as part of your business operations? Ensuring the safety and efficiency of your transport is crucial for businesses, whether you’re transporting stock, cargo or people, but driver distractions - stemming from drink, drugs, the use of mobile phones and various other sources - pose significant and obviously damaging risks. These distractions not only endanger lives but threaten serious financial and operational impact to a business that relies on its drivers.

Understanding the magnitude of this problem is essential for businesses who want to develop effective strategies to mitigate it.

The scope of the problem

Driver distractions have always been a concern, but recent years have seen a worrying rise in incidents related to drink, drugs and other distractions. According to the UK's Department for Transport, over 25% of all road accidents are attributed to driver distractions, a figure that continues to climb.

For businesses that rely on transportation, whether for logistics, delivery or employee travel, this trend is particularly troubling.

According to the latest data from 2022, in Great Britain, 22 people lost their lives, and 674 were injured in road traffic collisions where a driver using a mobile phone was considered a contributory factor. Additionally, 4,188 injuries were recorded where there was a 'distraction in the vehicle,' which could potentially include mobile devices.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant issue, with over 1,800 fatal and serious crashes each year linked to both legal and illegal substances.

How many of these incidents involved commercial drivers? How many future incidents could involve yours?

The cost of distracted driving

The financial repercussions of distracted driving for businesses are substantial. Accidents lead to increased insurance premiums, vehicle repair costs and potential legal fees. There are also hidden costs such as lost productivity, downtime and damage to your company’s reputation. In cases involving injury or fatality, the human cost is immeasurable and can lead to devastating long-term financial liabilities and legal battles.

Drink and drug impairment

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a leading cause of road accidents. Despite stringent laws and awareness campaigns, many drivers still engage in this risky behaviour. For businesses, the implications are, of course, severe. Employees who drive for work while impaired not only jeopardise their safety but also put the company at risk of legal consequences and financial losses. Regular drug and alcohol testing, coupled with strict company policies, are essential to combat this issue, from haulage companies to single delivery drivers.

Technology and mobile phone use

The rise of mobile technology has introduced new distractions. Texting, making calls and using apps while driving are unfortunately increasingly common, leading to a significant number of accidents.

For businesses, the solution lies in implementing and enforcing policies that restrict the use of mobile devices while driving. Using hands-free technology can help, but it’s crucial to promote a culture of safety amongst your business and employees at all times, where focus on the road is always prioritised.

Other distractions

Beyond drink, drugs and mobile phones, numerous other distractions can impact driver safety. Eating, adjusting controls, conversing with passengers and even daydreaming can divert attention from the road. Businesses must address these distractions through comprehensive driver training programmes that emphasise the importance of maintaining focus and minimising any activity that takes attention away from driving.

Mitigation strategies for businesses

Businesses should have clear, enforced policies against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the use of mobile phones while driving. Regular training and education is also important: on-going education programmes about the dangers of distracted driving keep safety at the forefront of employees’ minds.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), telematics, and in-vehicle monitoring systems can also help detect and reduce distracted driving behaviours, as can regular screening - regular drug and alcohol testing for employees who drive as part of their job.

Finally, the general encouragement of a safety culture can only be beneficial. Promoting a company-wide culture that prioritises safety over productivity, such as not penalising employees for not answering calls while driving, can significantly reduce distractions.

Ascend is at hand to help

Driver distractions, including those from drink, drugs and other sources, present a formidable challenge for every business in the country. The impacts are far-reaching, affecting safety, financial stability and operational efficiency.

Proactive measures today can prevent accidents tomorrow, safeguarding both human lives and the health of your business, and Ascend has the tools to help!

We are big advocates for the use of technology to help manage risk, mitigate losses and reduce frequency of claims – all leading to heightened safety amongst your employees and, by extension, reduced premium spend.

We work with a provider to develop instant claims reporting at the time of any incidents, including third party details and injuries – all helping to reduce your operating costs. Ascend is able to offer you access to a specialist insurance programme that includes CCTV in vehicles, for real time alerts of possible incidents, or bad driving.

In addition, the Ascend Claims App offers immediate roadside driver claims reporting, a full GPRS picture and damage claim form, and a driver incentive programme to report immediately. Our App means there’s less than 5 minutes claims reporting to both fleet manager and broker.

All of our innovations will, in the long term, help you reduce accident frequency, claims costs and, ultimately, premiums and vehicle-operating costs.

Want to find out more? Give Ascend a call today on 01245 449060 or email info@ascendbroking.co.uk.

Other blogs which may be of interest:

Electric vehicles - What they mean for insurance premiums

Forklift trucks and seat belts - What your business needs to know

Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team.

Matthew.Collins@ascendbroking.co.uk  | Office: 01245 449060