Novadata training aids drug awareness
Transport compliance specialist Novadata has emphasised the role that driver training can play in helping to mitigate against drug and alcohol use as part of a wider driver wellbeing strategy.
“Driver awareness of the issues of drugs and alcohol abuse is essential for combating problems within the transport industry,” said Novadata managing director Su Winch (pictured, right).
“Although most professional drivers are well 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 programmes Novadata offers is Driver CPC training on driver wellbeing, which includes 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,” Su continued.
“Health issues have 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 alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, cocaine, cotinine and methadone metabolite. This is suitable for both the road haulage and passenger transport sectors.”
