Drink driving doctors fail alcohol knowledge test

Many doctors are being sent on alcohol awareness courses after being convicted of drink driving, according to Telford Training Consultants (TTC 2000).

A total of 38 doctors attended courses in the first eight months of 2003, according to TTC director Jenny Feehan. She also revealed that many people in the medical profession – doctors included – do not understand what constitutes a single unit of alcohol. "Anyone who still believes that a glass of wine is equal to one unit of alcohol has poor knowledge on the subject," said Mrs Feehan.

Some medical professionals also lack knowledge on alcohol strengths and the volume of alcohol, she said, appealing for people in the medical profession to update their knowledge.

"I’m not saying doctors don’t understand about alcohol - they understand the health aspects very well. But generally we have found that doctors and other health professionals do not know what a unit of alcohol is.

"A liver consultant who was arrested for drink driving told us that he had ‘learned something’ after attending one of our awareness courses."

Over the past few years wines and beers have become much stronger and are sold in larger amounts. Wine served in many restaurants today is in 250ml glasses – almost half-pint of wine.

"A single standard glass of wine is often three units and even a small pub wine measure of wine is usually at least two units. A pint of extra strong lager can be as much as five units," Mrs Feehan added. "Many people are simply not aware of this and fall foul of the law on a drink driving charge."

For more information contact TTC 2000 on (01952) 292246, email train@ttc-uk.com or visit the website at www.ttc-uk.com.