Driver error contributes to many crashes and is often the main cause. Driving is often the most dangerous activity employees undertake at work, so all fleet organisations need to adopt a road safety culture backed up by policies, procedures and effective training to keep drivers safe.
Global Fleet Champions has published new guidance to help fleet organisations manage the risks associated with dangerous driving behaviours.
The report, based on a webinar for fleet professionals, covers key behaviour-related hazards such as speeding, drink- and drug-driving, and driving while fatigued or stressed.
Mark Sherman, commercial motor manager at sponsor Allianz, discusses the causes and consequences of dangerous driving behaviours and how fleets can improve them, while Professor Divera Twisk, from the University of Queensland’s Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety, outlines the essential elements of building an effective driver training course.
Professional driver trainer Louise Shannon, of Road Safety Prospects, provides advice about the medical conditions that may impair drivers’ capacity to safely control their vehicles, and Mike Hemming from Masternaut shares how data can inform behavioural change strategies.
Jim Noble, vice president – risk engineering at eDriving, also discusses the five key sections of an effective fleet safety policy, and how these policies should form the foundation of any programme to manage work-related road risk.
Sarah Plumb, senior fleet officer at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “Making sure drivers are behaving safely is central to road safety management. Fleets need to adopt a comprehensive approach to managing driver behaviour that demonstrates their commitment to looking after their drivers, other road users and local communities alike.”
Mark Sherman, commercial motor manager at Allianz Insurance, said: “Implementing and communicating the right organisational culture is critical if businesses are to manage and improve poor driver behaviour. Understanding what drives poor behaviour allows employers to consider necessary steps to mitigate poor driver performance and protect the business against potential Corporate Manslaughter prosecution.”