UK ROADSHOW IN SCOTLAND - Tuesday, May 30th, 2006
A UK transport “roadshow” to educate thousands of professional drivers about drink and drug driving has visited Livingston.
A total of 100 bus and coach operators from the Livingston area attended the event at the Ramada Livingston Hotel.
Telford Training Consultants, with more than 45 trainers, are training freight owners and managers of coach, bus and lorry operations at 25 UK venues.
TTC Group manager Mel Hughes, who gave a demonstration on alcohol and drugs in relation to safer driving, said: “Educated motorists make better drivers which contributes towards our aim of reducing deaths and injuries on our roads.
“A consistent message on alcohol and especially the problems of the morning after are going out to transport professionals so that they are aware of the pitfalls and dangers caused by drinking and driving.”
Haulage operators learned about alcohol units and how long it takes for alcohol to be absorbed into the body. They “walked the line” wearing Drunkbuster goggles which split the vision of the wearer giving them a view similar to a person who is drunk.
The effect on driving of over the counter medicines, prescribed medicines as well as illegal drugs was also included in the seminar.
“It was an eye opener for them. A number of drivers came up to me afterwards and said they had no idea about how long alcohol stayed in the system and the effect of medications on driving.
“Many people who attend our drink drive classes after being convicted of an offence are caught the next morning unaware that their blood alcohol level is over the limit,” said Mr Hughes, whose organisation educate thousands of drivers each year in both the corporate and public sector.
The UK Traffic Commissioners called in the TTC Group - the UK’s leading alcohol training organisation - to educate 4,000 LGV and Public Service Vehicle operators in a series of nationwide training sessions being held from Scotland to the Isle of Wight.
Chris Cooper, of the Vehicle Operators Service Agency (VOSA), who organised the Livingston event on behalf of the Traffic Commissioners, said: “Drink driving is seen as a very important issue by both the Traffic Commissioners and the operators.”
For more information about corporate driving courses contact the TTC Group, of Hadley Park, Telford, Shropshire, on 0845 270 4380 or visit www.ttc-uk.com
