Keeping it Safe

The Government says that driving on business is the most dangerous thing people do during their lives.

There are 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting from crashes involving at-work drivers.

It is for that reason that the Government and the police are working together with a raft of other agencies to encourage all companies and organisations to implement best practice occupational road risk management programmes.

Companies are legally responsible for the health and safety of staff when they are behind the wheel. It doesn't matter who owns the car, the company is still responsible.

Companies that fail to show a duty of care towards staff can face prosecution if there is an accident- and so can company directors and managers.

The rules further increased this year with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

It is therefore essential that companies ensure that all vehicles used on business are driven by staff with valid licences, that cars are correctly insured, have a valid MoT (if applicable) and are serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

That’s the end of the scary part, but the good news is that a few simple checks and a lot of common sense can keep you on the right side of the law, and actually reduce your costs.

For example, driving smoothly, accelerating gently and braking sensibly - in other words driving safely - can reduce your fuel bill by 15-20%.

Business Car Finance works with some of the best business car risk consultants in the industry allowing us to work out the very best strategy for your business.

Top 10 tips for keeping it safe

• Make drivers aware of vehicle operating and safety checks, and carry out spot checks to see they are complied with
• Be certain cars are serviced in line with manufacturer guidelines
• Ensure tyres are checked at least monthly – incorrectly inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 10% and can endanger lives
• Check that all drivers who use a car (no matter how infrequently) have a valid driving licence
• Check privately-owned cars used for business have a valid MoT, are correctly insured, serviced on schedule and are fit for purpose
• Give each driver a copy of the Highway Code, warning triangle, torch, disposable camera, and check they remain in the car
• Keep a record of drivers who have a high accident record and consider enrolling them on a driver training programme
• Reward good drivers
• Calculate the fuel consumption of drivers which will enable you see the ‘saints and sinners’
• Show your drivers that their safety is important to you

These might seem like big brother tactics, they may even cause unrest, but a small amount of common sense and time spent is far better than a police investigation, a massive legal bill and unwanted publicity