Driver Training

The second highest risk sector is the company or fleet driver. They may be no different from other drivers in terms of skill. Although in my experience, most like to think they are more skilful.

Generally they do, however,

•  have longer risk exposure time on our roads
•  cover much greater distances
•  usually at higher speeds and 
•  are often subject to deadlines

 which may possibly encourage risk taking.

A 50,000 miles per year driver spends much of the working day driving therefore their risk of a collision is increased substantially.

It is estimated that the crash probability of a company vehicle driver is 60% or more higher than that of an average driver.

According to the Highway Code you have a 1 in 200 chance of being killed in a road collision

Whatever the crash probability of the driver... 

The FACT is that...

Nine families each day, every day in the UK lose a loved one in a road crash.

These deaths are...

       Sudden... Horrifying... Violent... and Cause Extensive Grief and Trauma.

THE COST 

No price can be put on the pain and suffering experienced due to the loss of a life.

However, the financial costs of what we mistakenly call accidents can be calculated and they are as follows:

A casualty-only collision costs the nation that is us, on average £130,000 each time.

A collision with a single fatality cost us (the nation) an average £1.25m  It is a total cost (wastage) every year to us the tax payer of £8bn according to a report published by the Audit Commission.

For a Company the average cost can also be calculated...

for every £1 of insured loss there are at least  £8  of uninsured losses.

In around 96% of all road traffic 'accidents' human error is the major contributory factor. Therefore around 96% of these so called 'accidents' that occur daily are really... avoidable collisions.

There is a strategy to reduce casualty figures, companies are being encouraged to have their high-mileage drivers assessed and, if necessary, re-trained periodically.

Those involved in the strategy include the Government, Health and Safety Executive, RoSPA, the DSA, a number of insurance companies, Decision driving UK & other private driver training  organisations. 

Research shows that those companies that take part in a driver development scheme can potentially reduce their operating costs and offer health and safety benefits to all of their drivers.

For further no obligation details please contact:-

                                           info@decisiondriving.com 

  'The Driver is the most important safety feature in the vehicle.'

* Publication courtesy of HSE.gov.uk