Survey reveals threats to business drivers

Almost a quarter of fleet managers believe that other road users present the greatest risk to their drivers.

According to a new survey, 24% of managers said that other motorists presented the biggest threat to their employees’ safety while driving for business.

Conducted jointly by a leading industry publication and a national car hire firm, the study found that managers believed the second biggest threat was from distractions caused by equipment such as mobile phones and satellite navigation systems.

A similar number of fleet operators said the pressure to meet deadlines at work was posing a significant threat to driver safety.

While this trio of threats was cited as presenting the major risk to employees who drive fleet vehicles, 11% of fleet managers also felt their own drivers’ poor skills behind the wheel presented a significant risk to their safety.

The survey also found that the majority of companies were prepared for the Corporate Manslaughter Bill.

The new legislation, due to be introduced early in the next year, will make it easier to prosecute companies involved in fatal accidents.

Meanwhile 56% of those surveyed said they are still preparing to introduce new policies to tackle health and safety issues for employees who drive for business.