The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has expressed concerns about the percentage of at-work drivers who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drink and drugs.

Research carried out by IAM RoadSmart, which surveyed the safety attitudes and behaviours of 2,010 UK motorists, found 31% of those driving for work believe driving after using Class A drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy is acceptable, compared to 5% of non-company car drivers.

The survey also revealed that over a quarter (26%) felt it was acceptable to drive when they may have drunk too much alcohol, and 24% would drive after using cannabis. In both cases, only 5% of non-company car drivers felt it was acceptable.

Highlighting the differences between motorists driving for work and non-company car drivers, IAM RoadSmart’s Driving Safety Culture Report found 21% of company car drivers had regularly or often ignored a red light within a 30-day window compared to 3% of other drivers. The research also found that 21% of at-work drivers often read a text or e-mail whilst driving compared to 3% of other drivers. Even more dangerously, 19% said they often typed or sent a text while driving (compared to 2% of non-company car drivers).

The latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed up to a third of all road incidents involve someone who is at work at the time, this could account for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.

 Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart said, “It is incredibly concerning that this latest research shows we still have far too many drivers who don’t understand the dangers of driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and not acknowledging the danger they pose to themselves.”

“By choosing to ignore key safety features like red lights or even using social media whilst driving, you are putting yourself at much higher risk of being involved in a crash. With a third of all incidents involving people driving for work on UK roads, businesses also need to hold themselves accountable for the responsibility they play in keeping their workers and other road users safe.”

Photo: Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart.