Two groups of drivers most at risk are firstly our young (17 to 25yr olds) and secondly our company drivers.

Younger drivers have collisions (crashes) largely because of their inexperience or immaturity (measures are currently being sought to counter this) - company drivers, because of their extended mileage.

Statistics show that our average driver (10,000 miles per year) has a 1 in 7 risk of a collision (accident) in any one year. For the high mileage (50,000+per year) company drivers this risk factor is increased by some 67%, a risk factor of 1 in 3.

This isn’t because these company drivers overall are worse drivers than the average; it simply means that more miles and time on the road equals more exposure to risk.

Also, it doesn’t mean that all drivers are equally at risk. Everyone has differing levels of skills, some very good, others, well, not so good!

This is twofold. Firstly to seek the aspects of driver’s skills that could be adjusted to reduce risks and secondly to suggest and perhaps demonstrate corrective measures that should counter these risk elements.

It has to be recognised however, that every driver’s at risk whenever they’re driving. The purpose of assessment and correction is to try and reduce these risks to as low a level as possible.

For some drivers this may mean just a few and quite small adjustments. For others it may mean a more extensive approach. The only person who can make these corrections, however, is that driver.

Adjustments to their driving skills can only be made with acceptance and self-motivation, particularly as there’s no requirement at present for a further formal driving test.

• To reduce the risk of a driving-related accident
• To reduce the stress caused by driving
• To reduce the potential time taken away from work due to an accident of stress-related illness
• To reduce the potential of long term disability
• To reduce the potential of trauma to your family or other road users
• To reduce the potential cost of vehicle repairs
• To potentially reduce or contain vehicle insurance costs
• To potentially reduce or contain employer liability costs
• To potentially reduce additional employee cover costs
• To potentially improve productivity and efficiency.

Accident (from now on we will call them Collisions –as the word accident is a misnomer – it suggests that it was no one’s fault!)

• Over 95% of crashes are caused by driver error
• The average driver has a 1 in 7 chance of a fatal or serious crash in any one year
• This risk increases for company drivers by more than 60%… and for young drivers by as much as 50%
• On average 9.5 people per day are killed by drivers
• A quarter are pedestrians – 2 children killed every week more than 8 seriously injured each day
• 25-30% of all fatal accidents involve vehicles being driven for work
• There are 320,000 serious casualties every year
… that’s nine hundred each day
• The average fatal crash costs society £1,150,000 per death
• Almost £12 billion for all road crashes, each and every year

So Why do drivers have collisions?

• inappropriate speed;
• driving too close;
• poor observation;
• not allowing for weather;
• lack of experience;
• poor driving techniques;
• lack of anticipation and planning;
• lack of care and concern;
• taking risks/shortcuts; and
• Vehicle maintenance.

• Re-assess and if necessary improve the driver’s psychomotor skills
• Re-assess and if necessary improve the driver’s cognitive skills
• Re-assess and if necessary improve the driver’s effective skills

HOWEVER!

No re-training programme can operate in isolation
It requires co-operation and motivation from both the company drivers and the company

• The market and the needs
• The benefits and the pitfalls
• Codes of practice specific to the market
• DVSA Fleet Driver Training qualification

If their company employees can reduce their accident rates insurance premiums should reduce. An employee, having been involved in an accident, will often take time off work for sick leave. This may be from as little as a couple of weeks to a permanent situation. During this period this company may have to pay incapacity benefits and, in addition, pay the costs of a stand-in employee.

Their vehicle may be damaged and may be out of commission until the repairs are completed. This may mean an additional cost of a hire vehicle or and addition to the fleet. The company may have to pay a substantial part of those repair costs depending on their insurance.

In addition to this may be hospital fees, administration fees, legal fees, lost goods and just the sheer inconvenience. Quite often companies bear some of these costs where there is no driving accident. Just the stress of regularly commuting can lead to short and long term incapacity.

Whilst a short re-training programme for drivers will not completely eliminate these potential risks and costs, it should reduce the risks, particularly if that company can

Remember the end goal is to identify and reduce risk, driving technique is not the priority unless it affects risk

Target the risk potential

High level risks needs the highest priority

Medium and low level risks are second priority

RISK ANALYSIS is the key phrase of the day

Recognise that your prime role is one of driver improvement. The person you are assisting does not need to take another test; does not, and perhaps is not, seeking to achieve an advanced driving certificate.

Your task is to assist the driver in seeking methods of improvement in any of their driving, self-evaluation, or perceptive/attitudinal skills.