Drink Driving – the morning after the night before

Date: Thursday 07 January 2016

---

Think!, the Department of Transport road safety website, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness regarding drink driving. No doubt during the festive period many alcoholic beverages were consumed during an evening, however, people are failing to realise this will have repercussions the following day. ,

Research from Think! has found that 5,500 breathalyser tests are failed each year, when taken between 6am and midday. This can of course cause issues for employers when employees are pulled over on their way to work. Especially if their job is dependent on them holding a valid driving license. Employers may need to remind employees to be diligent when considering getting behind the wheel in the morning. ,

A reminder that in the UK the drink driving limit is:

&bull,  ,  ,35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, or
&bull,  ,  ,80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or
&bull,  ,  ,107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

If a company has an issue with an employee who gets caught over the festive period, they should be sure to obtain all the relevant information and investigate the matter fully before commencing disciplinary action. It is not advisable to simply make a decision without getting all the facts first. Remember, a disciplinary or dismissal could be considered unfair on the basis that an employer has failed to comply with the ACAS code of Practice. ,

IAAF Members can get advice on any employment issues by calling the legal helpline.

---