Concern over ‘Designated Drivers’ proves the Importance of Minibuses

As a minibus driver, you have a critical role in social safety and, thanks to new research, the demand for your service could soon increase.

A recent study carried out by the University of Florida (UFL) carried involved 1,000 partying participants to be breathalysed – out of which 50% of the ‘designated drivers’ had consumed some level of alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

The current legal limit for blood-alcohol levels in the UK is 0.8% but research just like this can work towards a case for lowering that limit – a goal on the brink of achievement in Scotland. After nearly three-quarters of respondents in a public consultation voted for a reduction to 0.5%, it is expected the Scottish Government will successfully cut the legal blood-alcohol limit in the country by 2014.

So, as more people evidently want safer roads and that limit starts to come down, the demand for your taxiing service will grow as a direct result.

Keeping the world moving safely

Nobody is going to stop going out based on a cut in the limit or a set of scary research results. Britons like to work hard and play hard, even if it means ditching the car for a gloriously unmemorable night out.

It is the minibus driver, the cabbie and the chauffeur who stands to benefit here, and do so with nobility. Through your duty to transport more people who are legally classed as drunkards, from one venue to another, your profitability will begin to rise. But it’s not all so straightforward…

Preparing for the boozy night shift

Yes, the graveyard shift might be the most lucrative but when you weigh up the dangers, is it really worth it? Whether it’s vomit on the backseat or something unmentionably serious, there is a clear level of risk attached to nocturnal taxiing.

Some people are just cut out for it; they can read body language, they have emergency procedures in place and they never let their guard down. Still, there is little a driver can do for their vehicle, should a customer start to damage it from the inside – not to mention the abundance of stumbling partiers passing by the ranks.

Note: This guide on how to handle certain passenger issues is really helpful.

Plus, if we rewind to the study by UFL, it is clear that drink driving is still fairly commonplace – so there is the added risk of sharing the road with incapacitated motorists.

The best thing for those with the mind-set for driving when the sun goes down, are best getting a solid deal for minibus insurance and making money – without too much regard for wear & tear.