Eco-Friendly School of Motoring Fleet Driver Training

Introduction Company car drivers are two to three times more likely to be involved in an accident than the average driver Every year approximately 2,500 people are killed on the roads in the United Kingdom. Additionally a further 228,000 are injured, some 26,000 seriously. (D of T 2008) The human and emotional costs of this carnage cannot be quantified. However the economic costs to the community are in the range of 10.5 billion pounds per year. Although statistics show that the United Kingdom has a road safety record amongst the best in the world, those statistics will never bring any comfort to the bereaved or those struggling to rebuild lives shattered by injury.

Contributory Factors The driver The vehicle The road environment

The Driver One third of accidents are rear end collisions caused by driving too close to vehicle in front One quarter of accidents are caused by one vehicle being driven across the path of another vehicle on its correct side of the road One sixth of accidents involve a loss of directional control

The Vehicle Lack of maintenance of tyres, braking systems, steering systems Bad visibility through screen Electrical failure, lights Poor overall condition and unsuitable design

The Road Environment Inadequate design causing poor visibility Lack of maintenance causing slippery or flooded road surfaces Inadequate furniture or markings (signs or paint) or street lighting Obstructions including road works, parked vehicles or other objects

Summary Statistically company car drivers have a far greater chance of being involved in a collision The majority of accidents are avoidable? How can we reduce the risks?