COMPANY car drivers involved in collisions over the festive period will automatically be tested for drink-driving as part of a new government campaign.

Fleet experts say the move should prompt companies who do not have drink-drive policies in place to introduce them now.

The government and police have joined forces for the annual THINK! drink-driving campaign, now in its 30th year.

Transport secretary Douglas Alexander said: ‘What the THINK! campaign is saying to drivers is very simple – enjoy the Christmas season, but remember drinking and driving do not mix.

‘With prison sentences up to six months for those caught over the limit, drink-driving is an unnecessary gamble to take.’

This year’s campaign has a particular focus on young drivers but anyone involved in a crash in England or Wales during December will be breathalysed.

Road safety organisations say the campaign gives fleets a timely reminder to ensure they have communicated their drink and drugs policies to drivers. Roger Vincent, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said: ‘This campaign is a reminder to companies about their responsibilities to their drivers.

‘If they have been turning a blind eye in the past to drink-drive policies, then now is the time to rectify that and ensure they have a specific policy as part of their occupational road risk policy.’ The campaign comes as research by Churchill Insurance suggests four million motorists will drink and drive over the festive season.

Fleets wanting help compiling a drink/drugs policy can download RoSPA’s guidance, Driving for Work: Drink and Drugs, at www.rospa.com/roadsafety.

More information.