Multi-award-winning online driver profiling and e-driver training provider E-Training World has launched a new training module tackling the increasing issues of drink and drug driving.
Recent research by the UK’s leading road safety charity showed that more than a fifth (22%) of young motorists aged 17-34 believe it is okay to get behind the wheel after taking class A drugs, such as cocaine. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport’s (DfT) latest statistics on drinking and driving revealed an increase in deaths and serious injuries caused by drink driving on British roads. The report estimated that drink-drive collisions caused more than 6,740 injuries, with the number of fatalities (260) reaching a 12-year-high.
People might think they are fine to drive after a few pints or taking drugs, but every day, the police are arresting people with the same mindset. The consequences for drivers and their employers are significant. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries sizable fines and driving bans, increases insurance costs and puts vehicle and road users at risk of serious or fatal injury.
Jonathan Mosley, sales and marketing director at E-Training World, comments, “Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can slow down reaction times, reduce your ability to see distant objects and reduce night vision by as much as 25%. Drugs like cannabis can be detected in your system for up to a month after you have taken them. The morning after, drivers can still be over the limit, be prosecuted, lose their job, their home, or worse, be involved in a fatal collision.”
E-Training World’s new online training module uses a combination of high-definition video, in-car and roadside footage and ‘Green Screen’ shots from its new filming studio to help drivers understand the consequences of driving under the influence and how they would feel if they were involved in an incident, particularly if someone was killed or seriously injured.
“Unlike penalty points on your driving licence for offences such as speeding or jumping traffic lights, a drink driving conviction is a criminal one. It can jeopardise someone’s chances of working, studying, or even travelling abroad in some countries. Driving, or attempting to drive, while over the limit or while under the influence of drugs can result in a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine and difficulties travelling to countries like the USA.
“Our new training module is focused on tackling those who might think a small amount of drink or drugs is okay. But the minor inconvenience of leaving your car or motorbike and finding an alternative way home far outweighs the damage of being arrested or convicted.”
E-Training World is a two-time winner of the BusinessCar Techies’ Best Risk Management’ Award and a company that pioneered online driver profiling and training. As well as serving some of the largest fleet operators in the UK, they provide branded/white-labelled systems to many of the best-known companies in the fleet sector. These include insurance companies, fleet management specialists, accident management providers, driver training businesses, vehicle rental specialists and other fleet sector suppliers.
