Novadata: raise drink and drug awareness via DCPC
Transport compliance specialist Novadata has emphasised the role that Driver CPC training can play in helping to deter drink and drug driving.
“Most professional drivers are aware of the legal alcohol limit,” said Su Winch, managing director at Novadata (pictured, right).
“However, we often find, in Driver CPC training courses on the subject, that 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.
“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, including drink and drugs awareness.”
Su continued: “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.
“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 driver drug and alcohol saliva testing kits which detect the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, methadone and alcohol. These match the testing kits used by the police for roadside checks.”
