AN engineering company has introduced a course for its fleet of drivers on the use of alcohol and drugs in a bid to raise awareness of 'morning after' motoring.

Details of the Rolton Group's policy comes after warnings on Fleet NewsNet (July 10) about a hidden drink-drive culture where motorists take to the road in the early morning after a heavy night of drinking.

The group's programme was implemented in conjunction with the drug and alcohol awareness group, AvOiDD, and involves the Rolton Group's 40 drivers attending a half-day training course.

Peter Rolton, managing director of the Rolton Group, said: 'The main reason we implemented the policy is that most of our drivers are on the road early in the morning and I wanted a high level of awareness.'

Drivers attend sessions with AvOiDD and are told how to manage alcohol and drugs in relation to the policy, with Rolton providing refresher courses to cover its new employees every six months.

Rolton added: 'Our drivers were taught how to calculate their alcohol levels, showing how many units they can have to remain safe. The policy covers all employees and contractors and all types of substances.'

Roger Singer, head of Drink Driver Education and AvOiDD, implemented the policy. He said: 'It is not just about being over the limit but it is any alcohol from a corporate point of view. Even one drink affects your confidence.

'Evidence shows that even with a small amount of alcohol or drugs in the body, ability, performance and judgement are affected in a negative way. The effects of alcohol and drugs can last long after the substance has left the body.'

According to the Transport Research Laboratory, drivers who complete an approved Department for Transport alcohol awareness course are less than half as likely to re-offend compared to those who do not undertake a course.

Singer added: 'The groups at Rolton were very accepting of the ideas and issues and were keen to learn how to avoid miscalculating.'