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Writing to all CWU Branches via LTB048/22, Dave Joyce CWU's National Health, Safety & Environment Officer, provides information and avice about driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
Introduction The Royal Mail Group Road Safety Manager has informed the CWU/HQ Health, Safety and Environment Department that the RMG Safety Health and Environment Team will be issuing a national driver/road safety briefing/communication huddle week commencing Monday 7 February about ‘Drink and Drugs’ and this will be based on the attached SHE Huddle FY22 007 ‘Drink and Drugs’ which will be supported by a slide on the RMTV screens throughout the business to support the road safety message to drivers. Background Regrettably and quite shockingly, recent evidence suggests that drink/drug driving is on the increase, despite decades of public road safety campaigns highlighting the dangers and consequences – hence this campaign. Roadside drink testing, backed up by severe court penalties and driving bans, plus campaigns highlighting accidents and injuries collectively built up the social unacceptability of drink driving. Roadside testing for drug driving was subsequently introduced to identify drivers impaired by drugs. Drink and Drugs sadly continues to be a problem on the roads with recent evidence suggesting an increase with the UK Police finding a sharp increase last year. Some facts:
Drugs and Alcohol Effects on Driving Slows reaction times, impairs judgement, affects concentration, causes fatigue, leads to risk taking and erratic behaviour, causes confusion, muscle paralysis, hallucinations, agitation, panic attacks, memory impairment, blurred vision and drowsiness, slows reaction times, reduces coordination and the ability to think clearly – Impairs ability to drive safely! Impairment through drink or drugs means a driver and passengers are more likely to die or be seriously injured in a collision. Prosecution and Penalties Minimum 12 months’ driving ban, unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, licence endorsed for 11 years and causing death by dangerous driving whilst under influence of drink or drugs results in up to 14 years in prison. Other impacts:
Morning After Effect
Prescription and Over The Counter Drugs Drivers should take care with prescription or ‘over the counter’ drugs – check for any warnings that they may affect driving by causing drowsiness. If in any doubt, check with a doctor or pharmacist. Supporting Information [RMG workers only] See supporting information on the Royal Mail screens and intranet. Royal Mail Group support is available to help anyone with a problem with alcohol or drug dependency. All support is treated in strict confidence.
Managers Actions
Documents available from the Unionsafety E-Library:
Source: CWU / RMG
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He refers to the Royal Mail Group specifically, hwoever, the information on the issues concerned is erqually relevant too not only CWU members in the Postal Constituency, but also to those within the Telecoms and Financial Services Constituency and all who drive as part of their work. Indeed, all those who drive to work also: 