RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
December 12 1998
JOBS ON THE LINE FOR XMAS DRINK DRIVERS
A Christmas drink could cost you your job, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.
With the Christmas celebrations just beginning, RoSPA is targeting its seasonal road safety message at people who drive for work - and urging companies who offer hospitality to play a responsible part in cutting road casualties.
The Society reckons around a quarter of Britain’s annual 3,600 road deaths are linked with people driving as part of their job - many of them company car and van drivers. During the Christmas period about 45 people a day are likely to be killed or injured in drink drive accidents, many involving people driving for work.
"Christmas is a time when business people often entertain clients or buy them a ‘thank you’ drink," Dave Rogers, RoSPA Road Safety Adviser, said.
"Many of them rely on cars to do their job, and yet if they get behind the wheel they put not only lives, but their employment at risk. Even one drink is too many if you are driving.
"We urge all employers this Christmas to point out the dangers of drinking and driving to staff. Some employers have policies banning drinking when in charge of a company vehicle. But even if you work for a company which does not, you could still find yourself in serious trouble with work if your licence is taken away.
"If you are offered alcohol and you are driving, be firm and enjoy a soft drink instead. Missing out on a little alcohol is better than finding yourself in the dole queue in the New Year. If you know you are going to drink, make sure you have an alternative form of transport to your car.
"Remember, even if you are not over the limit, alcohol and a party meal can make you surprisingly drowsy, increasing the likelihood of having an accident."
RoSPA launched guidance on Managing Occupational Road Risk for companies earlier in the year. It emphasises that companies have safety responsibility for their employees while driving for their job. Employers should provide professional advice for employees with drink problems, Dave Rogers said.
