Occupational road risk and drugs: A worrying reality
Occupational road risk is a major issue in terms of workplace safety. The use of psychoactive substances, such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and ecstasy, can significantly increase this risk. This blog explores the dangers associated with the use of these drugs for professional drivers and proposes effective prevention measures for employers.
Drugs and their effects on driving
During a road check, five substances are systematically searched for:
Cannabis : This drug, although widely consumed, impairs concentration, slows reflexes and reduces the perception of distances. Driving under its influence increases the risk of a fatal accident by 1.65.
Cocaine : A powerful stimulant, it induces a feeling of euphoria and excessive confidence, leading to risk-taking. However, it also causes nervousness and aggression, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
Amphetamines : These stimulant substances, used to combat fatigue, can cause uncontrollable hyperactivity and loss of lucidity, making driving dangerous.
Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine) : Powerful sedatives, they cause extreme drowsiness, mental confusion and decreased reflexes.
Ecstasy (MDMA) : It alters the perception of time and distance, causes excessive disinhibition and can lead to hallucinations, making driving extremely risky.
According to a recent study, 1 in 5 road deaths involve a driver under the influence of drugs. The combination of drugs and alcohol is particularly deadly, increasing the risk of fatal accidents by up to 29 times.
The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
Effects of drugs on driving include:
- Reduced alertness and concentration .
- Altered perception of distance and speed .
- Increased reaction time .
- Changes in behavior (overconfidence, nervousness, hallucinations) .
- Excessive sleepiness (opiates, cannabis) .
These effects make driving dangerous and significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially for professional drivers with demanding schedules and high pressure.
Preventive measures for employers
Employers have a key role in preventing drug-related risks while driving. Here are some recommended actions:
Risk assessment
The assessment of professional road risks must be integrated into the Single Document for the Assessment of Professional Risks (DUERP) . It is essential to identify risk situations and factors that can encourage the consumption of psychoactive substances (fatigue, professional pressure, long journeys).
Update of the Internal Regulations
Companies with more than 50 employees must include in their internal regulations provisions specifying the prohibition on consuming psychoactive substances at work, as well as disciplinary measures in the event of non-compliance.
Awareness and Training Actions
- Organization of training sessions on the dangers of drugs and driving.
- Internal awareness campaigns on road risks.
- Partnerships with road safety associations to intervene in companies.
Screening and Controls
The employer can set up saliva tests as part of a prevention and safety policy, particularly for high-risk jobs (truck drivers, delivery people, passenger transport). In order to support companies in this process, we offer benevolent screening campaigns , focused on prevention and support for employees rather than on sanctions.
Our offers include:
- Implementation of anonymous and preventive screening campaigns to raise awareness among employees of the risks associated with drugs and alcohol.
- Training and information for employees and managers for an educational and non-punitive approach.
- Support for companies in developing a prevention policy adapted to the challenges of the sector.
- Personalized monitoring and advice to help employees in difficulty find suitable solutions (psychological support, withdrawal programs, reorientation if necessary).
By opting for this approach, employers ensure better buy-in from their teams while strengthening the security and performance of their company.
The employer can implement saliva tests as part of a prevention and safety policy, particularly for high-risk jobs (truck drivers, delivery people, passenger transport).
Legal penalties for drugged driving
Driving under the influence of narcotics is an offence severely punished by French law:
- Two years in prison and a €4,500 fine for driving under the influence of drugs.
- Three years in prison and a €9,000 fine if combined with alcohol.
- Suspension or cancellation of driving license .
- Six points removed from license .
- Additional penalties (awareness training, confiscation of vehicle).
Legal sanctions for employers
The employer also has an obligation of safety towards its employees. In the event of an accident at work involving an employee under the influence of drugs or alcohol, several consequences may occur:
- Recognition of the accident as an accident at work , even if the employee tests positive for screening tests.
- Civil liability of the employer if breaches of prevention obligations are proven.
- Criminal sanctions in the event of failure to implement preventive measures (DUERP, training, screening).
- Increases in social security contributions for the company in the event of repeated accidents linked to the consumption of illicit substances.
It is therefore imperative that employers implement rigorous prevention actions in order to limit these risks and protect themselves against possible prosecution.
Driving under the influence of narcotics is an offence severely punished by French law:
- Two years in prison and a €4,500 fine for driving under the influence of drugs.
- Three years in prison and a €9,000 fine if combined with alcohol.
- Suspension or cancellation of driving license .
- Six points removed from license .
- Additional penalties (awareness training, confiscation of vehicle).
Conclusion
Current events have shown that accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs have led to human tragedies, sometimes fatal. These tragedies highlight the urgency of implementing effective prevention measures to limit these risks.
Road risk related to drug use is a major problem for businesses and workers. A prevention, awareness and screening policy is essential to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users.
By incorporating concrete actions, employers can limit these risks and ensure a safer working environment for everyone.