Reducing the risk of road traffic accidents and claims

With fleet drivers being blamed for many of the road traffic accidents on UK roads, find out what fleet employees can change to reduce the risk of collision

Fleet drivers are the cause of many road traffic accidents, according to studies by the Department for Transport and the Institute of Advanced Motorists Drive & Survive division (IAM Drive & Survive).

This guide outlines the measures fleet organisations should take to reduce the risk of such collisions so that their staff and other road users are protected, as well as their business from potential claims.
   
The recent study conducted by IAM Drive & Survive found that 100 per cent of fleet companies had an employee who had been responsible for an accident. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport study found that despite fleet drivers being mostly to blame when involved in road traffic accidents, some were the victims of other people’s careless driving.

Who is to blame?
Company car drivers typically cause road traffic accidents when travelling at excessive speeds. These incidents often stem from drivers losing control of their vehicles - particularly on bends on rural roads - or overlooking other road users and cyclists. 
   
Van and pickup drivers have more accidents when they exceed the speed limit and lose control of their vehicles. They also cause collisions when they fail to take account of a restricted view. Their victims are usually motorcyclists.
   
These traffic accidents mostly occur because of illness and fatigue, which causes lorry drivers to become easily distracted while on the road. Mechanical problems such as braking and steering defects in Lorries also cause a number of collisions.
   
In cases where bus drivers are at fault, accidents stem from them following others too closely or failing to signal when departing from bus stops. Incidents tend to involve cyclists, where the driver fails to see them or provide enough space when overtaking.
   
Taxi drivers are the only group who cause collisions due to ‘deliberate recklessness. Most accidents occur when U-turns in the road or reversing are carried out without careful observation.
   
Drivers of emergency vehicles, such as police cars and ambulances, are often partly to blame for the collisions they are involved in. When responding to emergencies, they tend to exceed the speed limit. At times when other road users do not allow enough room for emergency vehicle drivers travelling at speed, both parties can be seen as responsible.

Why are fleets causing road traffic accidents?
Factors that have been found to cause collisions include time pressure and fatigue. Fleet drivers exceed speed limits to meet targets and arrive at locations on time or prior to the deadline. Lorry drivers in particular, who have been working long shifts late at night often drive feeling tired, where they lack concentration and observation as a result.
   
Those drivers who are given a company vehicle to drive feel less responsible for any damages caused to it, so tend to drive more recklessly. The IAM Drive & Survive results found that while all fleet companies surveyed had admitted to at least one of their employees being responsible for an accident, it was also found that most companies failed to act following a driver’s failings in order to reduce the risk of future accidents.
   
Management responsibility – reducing accident risk and protecting the business
Any collisions caused by fleet drivers have a financial impact of the business that they work for. With repairs and insurance premiums costing thousands, taking the time to assess and update any measures is essential in order to reduce the risk of future accidents.

Renewed driver training
Make employees aware of the main causes of road collisions. Emphasise the hazards and factors that typically affect fleet drivers so that they can recognise what they need to concentrate on.

Reducing pressure on employees
Extend deadlines and permit additional breaks during journeys to reduce the pressure felt by employees, which in turn can prevent accidents from occurring as a result of high speeds.
   
A strong employer-employee relationship with high communication levels can promote lower accident rates. Try introducing an open door policy, whereby drivers can report incidents and discuss them with you, so that they can recognise and learn from their mistakes.

Note to drivers
Collisions on the road are sometimes unavoidable; the information above can help you to understand the main causes of road traffic accidents in your field and the improvements you as a driver can make to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision.
   
Incidents on the road often lead to claims being made against those at fault. It is important to note that while your employer or their insurance company may provide you with a solicitor, you are not automatically tied to them and can choose your own legal specialist, should you wish to

Further information
www.sds-solicitors.com