Deterring drink driving with Novadata
Su Winch of Novadata
While most professional drivers are aware of the legal alcohol limit, transport training specialist Novadata says it often finds that – in Driver CPC courses on the subject – their understanding of what constitutes a unit of alcohol can vary widely.
“Drivers seem also to be less aware of the effects of driving the next day, after drinking the evening before,” said Su Winch, managing director at Novadata.
“We believe that the place to raise awareness of these issues, which is key to addressing this problem across the industry, is the training room.”
Novadata provides 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, following the additional challenges and pressures of the past 18 months, we believe that it is time to challenge that now. With fewer drivers on the road, their health and wellbeing should now be a major concern.
“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 a healthier lifestyle 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 selection of breathalysers for drivers to carry in the cab to check that they are within legal limits for alcohol. The range includes the Alcolock V3 alcohol ignition interlock which actively prevents the driver from driving while over the limit for alcohol.
“Installed in the vehicle, this device analyses the driver’s breath and if their breath alcohol concentration reading is above legal levels, it prevents the ignition from firing, so that the engine will not start and the vehicle cannot be driven.
“Our breathalyser range includes single use devices, as well as professional testers similar to those used by the police for roadside checks.”
