Holistic approach to accident investigation

Fleet managers should take a more holistic approach to accident investigation as many employers are still failing to address contributing factors, such as company culture and journey planning.

That’s the view of Dr Will Murray, research director at Interactive Driving Systems (IDS), who says that an increasing number of organisations are implementing accident investigation processes but are just focusing on the driver.

Dr Murray’s comments follow the release of IDS’s new post-collision guidebook, which takes managers step by step through the accident investigation process.

The guide includes a self-audit tick sheet to assess where companies currently stand, tips on recording details at the scene of an accident and advice on how to execute a post-crash investigation.

Dr Murray goes on to advise managers to use the Haddon Matrix, featured in the IDS guidebook, when beginning an internal investigation.

The matrix provides an investigation framework for fleet managers and, as well as driver actions, considers pressure to perform, journey planning and driver education when apportioning blame.

He added that if drivers are completely negligent they should be held accountable but it is important to go beyond the driver when looking at corrective action.