DDE+, the drug and alcohol road safety charity, is holding ‘taster’ sessions near Henley-on-Thames in October. The sessions are free and designed for managers to ‘taste’ a little of how they work with managing drugs and alcohol in the workplace and in particular drink and drug driving.

Rachel Masters, DDE+’s project manager, said: “Managers are more concerned about drugs in the workplace than alcohol these days, and particularly behind the wheel. The UK is the largest user of cocaine in Europe, so it’s no surprise.”

With over 65,000 drivers being convicted of drink driving each year it is essential that drivers understand the issues, learn about units and how long they need to allow after drinking before they return to the road.

“At least half the drivers on our convicted courses would not be there if we had had three or four hours with them prior to being caught,” said charity director Roger Singer.

“Don’t Drink Drive is not enough, drivers need to know when they can drive again after drinking – even if it’s the next day.”

The free ‘taster’ session will introduce managers to the drugs in use today, see feel and smell them and sample the impairing effects.

Often managers have fears about tackling drug and alcohol issues in their workforce; this may be because they don’t have an effective workplace policy or are unsure of their ground and knowledge in this area. DDE+ courses give this confidence and knowledge.

For more information call 0844 2511 363 or email ddeplus@drinkdrive.org.uk.