Risk assessment for company drivers is badly needed, as well as training, because according to data published from several sources by E-Training World—a provider of assessment and training solutions for businesses—more than one third of company drivers are not clear on The Highway Code and are sketchy on even some of the most basic road laws.
The research focussed on and analysed four aspects that were integral to driving as part of an online risk assessment: attitude, knowledge, concentration and hazard perception. One of these aspects, knowledge, proved to be a serious issue, since 36.6% of the drivers involved in the study were found to belong to the high risk category.
We often underline how much fleet safety is important and usually focus on multiple aspects, such as inattention caused by the use of new technologies, or the intense pressures that are sometimes involved in a driving job that tempt drivers into speeding—this shows that fleets should really be much more concerned about their training.
According to the managing director of E-Training World, Graham Hurdle, a lot of drivers have not re-read The Highway Code since passing their tests and do not know what some road signs or markings mean or do not demonstrate clear understanding when thinking about the laws of the road. Apparently this is partly due to the presence of more foreign drivers who are often not versed enough on UK or Irish laws and therefore require some training.
Hurdle adds that some might think that a lack of knowledge is not as bad as having an unsafe driving style, practising tailgating, speeding or dangerous driving (which are all significant causes of accidents), but this is complacent thinking, since road signs must be correctly understood as they exist to guide drivers and maintain safety. If this knowledge is absent, then drivers cannot perform their job according to road traffic laws—not understanding the meaning of a sign leads to greater risks and compromises safety.
The research conducted showed that 10% of drivers are high risk, approximately 70% are medium risk and 20% low risk. Both training and risk assessment are thus essential to guarantee that a fleet is operating with the highest safety standards as well as protecting staff and road users.
Do you have a system in place for doing that?
