The Workplace Impact of Drugged Driving

The use of drugs in our global society continues to increase according the 2020 World Drug Report. In a 10-year time period, the number of worldwide drug users rose from 210 million to 269 million.  Additionally, there is a significant increase in poly-drug use. Poly drug use means the concurrent use of two or more drugs with or without alcohol that exacerbates the negative effects of any single drug or alcohol used. In most international studies, the most frequently used drug was marijuana.

Driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs is dangerous and adversely affects judgement, coordination, and reaction time, all important driving skills.  According to analysis of studies from around the world, after alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found in the blood of drivers involved in crashes. Several studies have shown that drivers with THC in their blood were roughly twice as likely to be responsible for a deadly crash or be killed than drivers who hadn't used drugs or alcohol. More research is needed on the effects of drugs, especially marijuana, on impairment and driving.

Because substance use is so prevalent, it’s important for employers to be aware of the possible impact to their business and identify and implement strategies to mitigate risk, especially for businesses that include driving as part of their operation. Employees that use alcohol and drugs negatively impact the operational budget for employers due to increased workplace accidents, injuries, loss of productivity, and other effects, impacting the cost of doing business.  The safety of all employees, vendors, customers, other drivers, pedestrians, or the general public could be in danger.

Even now, companies who employ drivers have a difficult time finding employment candidates who can pass safety-required drug tests.  Those prospective drivers who abuse drugs often seek jobs with companies that don’t perform drug testing. With youth consuming marijuana and other drugs earlier than ever, there have been concerns raised about the state of future workforce readiness. 

Companies that employ drivers should consider implementing a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy along with drug testing or enhancing existing policies and programs.  Educating employees to understand the dangers of all substance use including marijuana, conducting safe-driving programs, and training supervisors on the signs of impairment, are some additional measures that employers can use to proactively address the increase of drug use among the workforce. Consistent and fair application of the company drug-free workplace policy will provide a foundation for reducing and hopefully eliminating workplace problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse.

What policies are used in your country to prevent the use of drugged driving?  What more could be done?