Novadata training tackles drug and alcohol awareness
Transport training and compliance specialist Novadata has emphasised the role Driver CPC courses can play in helping to promote driver health, including in terms of raising awareness around alcohol and drug use.
“Driver awareness of the issues of drugs and alcohol abuse is essential for combating problems within the transport industry,” said Novadata chairman Derek Broomfield (pictured, right).
“Although most professional drivers are aware of the legal alcohol limit, we find in training courses that by no means all understand what constitutes a unit of alcohol, or the effects of driving the next day after drinking the evening before. “
Among the Driver CPC training courses provided by Novadata is a programme on driver wellbeing, including drink and drugs awareness.
“As part of a driver’s continuing professional development, we believe that it is important to address driver health issues in a profession not immediately associated with a healthy lifestyle,” Derek continued.
“Health issues h
ave not traditionally been high enough on the agenda of the transport industry and we believe that it is time to challenge that now.
“As well as warning of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the penalties which can be imposed for these offences, we believe that it is crucial to promote health and wellbeing for drivers. Therefore, we also include advice about diet and healthy eating, getting enough rest and driving safely and legally at all times.
“As an additional precaution, we offer a driver drug and alcohol saliva testing kit which detects the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, methadone and alcohol. This matches the testing kits used by the police for roadside checks.”
