Why all trucks should have breathalysers
Technology provider Connexas outlines the benefits of its Breathalock solution in tackling drink-driving
Drink-driving unfortunately is still an issue that impacts thousands of people every year. We all know that the consequences can be deadly. However, when an HGV is involved there is an even greater risk to human life.
For companies operating in haulage with a team of drivers, an anti-drink driving policy is a must. Failure to prevent driving while intoxicated could cost a company their reputation, as well as the lives of their employees and the public.
We strongly believe that every preventative measure against drink-driving should be taken by the transport industry, employers, and indeed drivers themselves. A solution? Make breathalysers in HGVs commonplace, and giving a sample before each drive standard a practice.
Connexas offers the Breathalock solution: a breathalyser that is fully integrated with our telematics software, and literally immobilises a vehicle if a driver fails a breath test. This technology can save lives and positively impact companies who use it.
Prevent drink-drinking
Any company with company cars will have a no drink-driving policy in place to protect employees and the public. But when over 20-ton vehicles are involved, it is even more integral – especially in the UK because there is a legal drink-driving limit, meaning we can legally drive after consuming some alcohol.
Most know the difference between driving after one drink and driving completely drunk. Yet many people drive while being unaware how much alcohol is still in their system. Generally, this happens the following day after an evening of heavy drinking. However, even driving after only 2 or 3 drinks can greatly impede one’s driving ability.
Another thing to consider within the haulage and transport industry is the fact that HGVs require a higher driving skill to operate safely. If one were involved in an accident it could cause a great deal of damage. Thus, from a company perspective, the safety of drivers and other road users must be paramount.
Breathalock is universal
The CX-TAB can be installed in any vehicle, either as a tethered or portable device. Also, the hardware is simple to install. Many different company types and industries can benefit as installing the breathalyser is possible in HGVs, cars, vans, and coaches.
This makes Breathalock a very far-reaching solution, applicable to any industry where employees drive a company vehicle. So, whichever vehicle type a company predominantly uses, Breathalock can be installed. Simply pair with the hardware of your choice and you are set.
Instant results and easy to use
The device works similarly to a standard breathalyzer: blow to give your breath sample, and wait for the result. The results will be processed quickly with either a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ result displayed on the device’s screen.
From a fleet operator perspective, this remote method of ensuring your team are in a fit state to drive can provide great peace of mind. Your team’s breath sample results will be available to view from your platform.
Furthermore, failure notifications instantly inform you should anyone be over the limit to drive. You can receive these notifications either via an email or SMS message.
Protecting fleets, staff and the public
The CX-TAB is hardwired directly into the vehicle’s engine, so should a breath sample fail, the vehicle will be immobilised. Then, after a certain amount of time the driver can try again.
This reduces the likelihood of an accident occurring and prevents someone who is beyond the legal limit ever getting behind the wheel.
Our solution comes with certified temper-proof technology, protecting users from false readings so that only genuine breath samples will be recorded. The Breathalock solution also has customisable thresholds – so each company can decide what they deem to be a safe limit, within the limits of the law.
Fully integrates with other Connexas solutions
While transport companies can benefit from the Breathalock solution as a standalone product, we highly recommend its use alongside our other solutions. When integrated with multi-camera systems, vehicle tracking, and driver performance monitoring, for example, the CX-TAB can elevate a fleet’s overall safety.
Moreover, with a driver-facing camera installed, companies gain an extra layer of reassurance that no false breath tests or samples will be carried out on their vehicles. Driver ID integration also provides you with live and historic breath sample data. Plus, users can gain visibility of their team out on the road and be alerted should anyone fail a breath test.
While taking preventative steps to stop people getting behind the wheel and starting the engine while inebriated only solves half the issue of drink driving, the safety of employees and the public should be the priority.
