How to design and implement a drinking and driving programme pdf ...

Module 3: How to design and implement a drinking and driving programme
The proportion of vehicles that are professionally driven is often high in low and
middle-income countries. Working with fleet operators to embed mandatory or
voluntary regulations and rules within their conditions of employment can be an
effective strategy.
Many international transport companies, in particular those involved in the transport
of hazardous goods, have strict policies banning alcohol from the workplace and
prohibiting drinking and driving.
BOX 3.12: Commercial drivers and road crash injuries, Ghana
In 1999, a survey estimated the proportion of road
crash injuries that involved commercial vehicles in
Ghana (19). The knowledge, attitude, and practices
of commercial drivers in relation to road safety were
also evaluated using a community-based survey and
focus group discussions.
The survey revealed that of 122 crashes reported
for the preceding year, 81% involved commercial
vehicles, principally buses (40%) and taxis (24%).
The involvement of commercial vehicles was the
same for both motor vehicle crashes (81%) and
pedestrian injuries (82%). However, injuries to children
involving motor vehicles were especially likely
to involve commercial vehicles (95%), in comparison
with adults (79%). The focus groups revealed that
most commercial vehicle drivers believed actions
could be taken to lower the risk of crashes, including
avoiding alcohol. However, this knowledge was not
fully implemented (19).
Workplace alcohol prevention programme and
activity (WAPPA), India
A workplace alcohol prevention programme and
activity (WAPPA) has been instituted by the Karnartaka
State Road Transport Corporation (KRSTC) as
a major contribution to road safety improvement in
the state. KRSTC is responsible for provision of busbased
services in the south of the state and for all
interstate and intercity coach services.
The project objectives include improved worker
welfare, increased productivity, and accident prevention
in the workplace.
The programme includes prevention and treatment
components. Education and training to combat
drinking and driving are provided, and alcohol consumption
is prohibited within the workplace – a
policy that applies to all employees and managers,
not just drivers. In the next phase of the programme,
the use of breath analysis machines in depots is
planned for testing drivers prior to shifts.
Treatment at the company’s expense is provided for
first-time offenders against the policy, Second-time
offenders are required to attend at their own cost,
and third-time offenders are subject to severe disciplinary
action, including possible dismissal
Strategies under the programme are grouped into
three “zones” – red, amber and green. There is an
individual employee focus in red zone activities,
building towards more organization-wide strategies
in the green zone.
Corporate evaluations claim a reduction in crash
rates of more than 20% between 1997 and 2000,
with additional corporate productivity and profitability
benefits.
Designated driver and ride service programmes
A designated driver is an individual within a group of people drinking alcohol at an
event/establishment who promises to remain sober in order to drive the others home
afterwards. In some countries, designated drivers are offered complimentary nonalcoholic
drinks by proprietors to encourage the safe travel of their customers after
spending time at their establishment.
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