Euro 2024 is well underway now, and with the first round games complete, the entertainment has been high. After losing 5-1 to Germany in the opening game, Scotland are looking to prove a point tonight against Switzerland (19/06/24), with England looking to secure a second win in their campaign against Denmark tomorrow (20/06/24).
Wherever your drivers are watching or listening to each game, it’s important to send a reminder on why avoiding alcohol and reducing distraction is the key to staying safe behind the wheel. Why not start by downloading our alcohol and driving poster here to share with your colleagues. Here are some tips you can share with employees who drive as part of their job to help keep them safe during the Euros.
If you’re watching the game (away from work):
Do not succumb to peer pressure to drink; stick to your guns if you are driving home, or working the following day. Remember, alcohol inhibits your ability to adjust to bright lights and headlights, judge depth and identify hazards – all crucial for the safe operation of a vehicle.
Being ‘in charge’ of a vehicle extends to having the keys and being in the car collecting items from the car and is not limited to sitting in the driver’s seat with the engine running. Leave the keys and the vehicle at home – why take the chance of having to explain your intentions to the court?
Be careful of the ‘morning after.’ You may still be over the legal limit even if you’ve had good sleep. The way alcohol affects you depends on many factors, including your age, sex, weight, and metabolism.
Drink-driving is a criminal offence. If you drive for work, your ban will show up on employer licence checks and your insurance will increase significantly when you return to the road.
If you’re listening to the game (whilst driving):
Anything that draws attention away from driving can be problematic, even if it’s auditory like listening to the radio or having a hands-free phone conversation. It’s important to be constantly aware of the limits to your attention.
Set your radio station before you set off on your journey. This decreases the chance of you needing to adjust it whilst driving and takes away the likelihood of it causing unnecessary distraction.
If you’re working the next day and have been watching a football match the night before, make sure you plan when you’re going to return home and get sufficient sleep. Remember, the average adult needs 7-10 hours of sleep per night to stay healthy physically and mentally. Anything less can result in physical health defects, such as increased blood pressure, which is detrimental to concentration whilst driving.
Director of Policy and Standards Nick Lyes says: “We all love long, warm summer days, and when the Euros are on, it provides the perfect backdrop to get together with friends and family to support our national team. Our advice is to plan, use public transport or taxis, organise a designated driver, and stick to the golden rule of none for the road.”
To enhance driving safety, IAM RoadSmart can offer online fleet risk management, virtual classroom learning sessions, and one to one in-car training. To find out what we can do for your organisation, get in touch.
