British Gas’ road risk programme has been running for over a decade, having been launched in 2007. Over that time it has been transformed from a reactive initiative to a proactive one.
At the heart of British Gas’ safe driving regime is its Driver Risk Management System (DRMS), which records detailed information such as licence points, driver collision history and training.
This data is analysed each month to spot trends in driver behaviour and the road incidents that drivers are involved in. Based on the results, British Gas recommends targeted training courses to fit the need of the driver, ensuring they receive the training most suited to them.
“British Gas has invested significant amounts of time and energy educating all of its drivers regarding the risk management approach to its fleet.”
British Gas launched its Vehicle Safety Awareness Training (VSAT) in early 2017 to target areas of risk within the business. This training focused on information, advice and guidance through classroom sessions.
In 2018, a second VSAT workshop focused on musculoskeletal disorder, safe working around a vehicle, correct seating positions and safe driving. Three key messages of this workshop were: risk assessment for the road; speed awareness; and defensive driving. All drivers were also given a copy of Britain’s Highway Code.
A third VSAT workshop was developed for 2019 focusing on road safety and vehicle checks. The course format has been expanded to include practical sessions in the form of ‘show and tell’.
More than 4,000 drivers have completed VSAT training. Follow-up communications are sent every six months to ensure the messaging is not forgotten. Together, the DRMS and VSAT have helped British Gas achieve a 32% reduction in at-fault collisions and a 57% reduction in cost to the business. Telemetry data used on the vehicles has also shown a 14% improvement in MPG.
To support these initiatives, British Gas has also introduced rigorous policies and procedures to ensure:
- random checks on vehicle weights;
- licence checks (98.29% compliance);
- no mobile phone use while driving;
- tyre checks four times a year on all vehicles; and
- safety technology for newest vehicles, including start/stop technology, city braking and lightweight racking systems to reduce vehicle weight.
British Gas has invested significant amounts of time and energy educating all of its drivers regarding the risk management approach to its fleet. Additionally, giving drivers the relevant assessments and training is a positive message for all and supports British Gas’ commitment to safety.
British Gas received the Company Driver Safety Award (large fleet) in 2019. This award recognises the organisation with a total fleet size of more than 1,000 vehicles that has implemented initiatives that do most to promote and achieve safer driving among employees.
See more previous winners.