New Drug Driving Legislation – What You Need To Know

It's been reported that only 17% of fleet drivers understand implications of the new drug driving legislation.

The changes, which came into force on March 2, include restrictions on 16 drugs that now carry penalties of a one-year driving ban, a heavy fine and a criminal record.

Many people automatically assume being under the influence of illegal drugs whilst driving is prohibited, but the new legislation introduced includes driving under the influence of eight drugs which are available on prescription.

The move to change the drug driving law is a really positive step to reduce the number of people driving when unfit, but keeping your drivers up to date with specific details of legislation changes whilst trying to run a business can be a challenge.

We listed the prescription drugs covered by the new Drug Driving legalisation below.

• Clonazepam is prescribed to treat seizures or panic disorders
• Diazepam is used for anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms or muscle spasms
• Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) is a sedative originally used in hospitals for deep sedation in the 1970s
• Lorazepam is used to treat convulsions or seizures caused by epilepsy
• Oxazepam is used to relieve anxiety, including anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal
• Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia problems
• Methadone is used in the treatment of heroin addiction and for pain relief
• Morphine or opiates treat moderate to severe pain

Three simple steps your business can take to help your drivers stay on the right side of the law:

• Reach out to staff immediately and request that they report any medication they may currently be taking to check if anything consumed contains listed prohibited substances.

• Insist that your staff don't stop taking medicines, prescribed or otherwise, but do ask them to contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately to enquire about suitable alternatives.

• Remind staff of the consequences of using prohibited drugs and driving, business reputation could undoubtedly be affected and lives put at risk.

There is clearly some confusion surrounding the new drug driving law and who it effects, but by taking some simple steps to communicate the changes you could help them stay safe and on the right side of the law.

Our Telematics system is a great tool to help measure driver behavior, giving you the ability to identify and rectify potentially dangerous actions.