Irrespective of the size of your UK presence relative to your corporate HQ, the responsibility for managing road risk and driver safety rests with you.
The HSE has warned that some employers believe incorrectly that provided they comply with certain road traffic law requirements, they are doing all that is necessary to ensure the safety of their employees when on the road.
Although the driver is responsible for how a vehicle is driven, the employer can have a significant influence on what the driver does, e.g. unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate training, improper maintained vehicles all increase the risk of accidents.
There is payback for being safe, with financial savings being huge, ranging from lower accident costs to reduced insurance, maintenance and fuel bills.
Before embarking on a fleet policy, it is vital that companies get appropriate backing, starting at the Board level.
Considerations
Measure to manage - record fleet mileage, fuel use, running costs, accident costs but ensure that these are enforced and policed.
Driver license/history - insist on evidence of its validity, in line with mileage and existing points.
Eyesight/medicals – a third of companies have procedures for eyesight testing, despite an estimated 2 million motorists having defective vision.
Conditions and taking over-the-counter medicines, fleets need to know the dangers drivers face before they get behind the wheel.
Road safety/driver policy - driver responsibilities to cover speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone, fatigue, security, basic safety checks.
Vehicle choice - suitability for the job, what NCAP rating, what ADAS features? Retaining a focus on whole life costs to assess running costs - depreciation, maintenance and fuel.
Private cars on business – anyone driving on business, whether a private/company vehicle is the responsibility of the employer. The same duty of care applies. It must be insured for business use, carry a valid MOT, the driver licenced, and the vehicle is fully maintained and roadworthy.
Technology and safety - Hi-tech systems can fulfil several uses depending on a fleets’ needs - monitor vehicle use (mileage, speed, brake, cornering, fuel); improve reporting, security and performance.
Questions? Email [email protected] for advice tailored to your company, within 10 working days