Weather Conditions – does everyone understand their responsibilities? Driving is, for most people, the most dangerous activity they do. Changes in weather conditions could easily make driving more dangerous, whether these are seasonal changes or weather events. Be sure your drivers are aware of the additional risk that comes with heavy rains, strong winds, fog,
Vehicle Roadworthiness – does everyone understand their responsibilities? The legislation on vehicle roadworthiness is very clear – your vehicle must be safe and roadworthy at all times. It’s also important to know that the law applies to both the driver and the operator – they are what as known as jointly and severally liable. In other words, the employee
Northern Powergrid has a strict policy covering driving for business. Its driving for work policy was updated in 2023, covering all aspects of how drivers are expected to perform on the road, and in specific situations, such as breakdown or emergency. All drivers have access to the policy and must acknowledge that they have read
Trust vehicles carry aggregates, tools and equipment and so loading requirements can vary. The organisation has two sets of mobile scales and visits two depots, unannounced every month to check the weights of vehicles. This is both educational for the drivers and gives an immediate insight into risk. Of 100 vehicles weighed this year, two
The Trust has invested in specific driver training for new starters and those in need of improvement. No one with less than two years driving’ experience can drive a Trust vehicle, but Steve says that issues with drivers tend to be attitudinal rather than skill-based. The training emphasises good anticipation, and light-footed acceleration and braking.
The results determined what training or follow-up support the drivers received. “It’s important not to have a blanket response,” says Reka. “We offered a range of learning options, from e-courses to a half day on-road training for high-risk drivers.” The initiative began in 2021, with the first 86 drivers risk-assessed and offered training. In 2022,
Anyone driving for work, and the company which employs them, has a responsibility to ensure that their vehicle moves safely around other road users, and in particular vulnerable road users. Recent changes to the Highway Code created a hierarchy of road users which means those who can do most harm – usually the largest vehicles –
Insecure loads are illegal, and highly dangerous. 62,000 items fell off vehicles onto the strategic road network in 2022. This is a key cause of injury, serious collisions and network delays. Drivers must be trained in how to secure their loads, and in the correct use of appropriate restraint equipment because it is their responsibility to
Working with the National Highways Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention Team, we have produced a van driver handbook to assist van drivers and fleet operators in dispelling uncertainty and myth. You can also share the online Van Driver Toolkit with your drivers, or you may prefer to share individual modules whenever you want to check understanding
Distraction is a leading a cause of collision. Whether manual, visual or cognitive, a distracted driver is not in full control of their vehicle, nor able to process and adapt to the changing environment around them. Fleets should educate drivers about the huge risks associated with distraction, and ensure that drivers have safe ways of alleviating
