Fleet operators are being encouraged to work with drivers to ensure dangerous habits don’t end in tragedy.
New research has found that tired and distracted workers are more likely to make bad decisions on the road, leading to “widespread risky behaviour” among drivers.
Dangerous decision-making
Fleet World reports that a study by fleet management specialist Venson Automotive Solutions found that 23% of drivers admit to becoming impatient with slower drivers and 15% reported “zoning out” while driving. This is particularly dangerous and experts warn it is a “serious sign of driving while fatigued or distracted”.
As well as preventing accidents, drivers who are fatigued or under pressure — and their employers — could be deemed liable in the event of a claim.
The Venson report found that fleet drivers who become frustrated with slower vehicles often display “emotional responses that can escalate into dangerous decision-making”.
Coupled with the drivers who admit to zoning out, which includes failing to check mirrors (12%) and last-minute lane changes (19%), show how relatively “small oversights” can easily put others at serious risk.
Higher risk
Professional drivers spend more time on the road than average motorists, which is why Fleet World is highlighting the real dangers posed by risky and erratic behaviour.
Among the biggest risks, Venson found poor lane discipline, driver frustration, lapses in concentration and inadequate mirror use are “dangerously common”.
It added that many drivers admitted to behaviours that can easily lead to collisions or near-misses.
With the number of journeys they make each day — with more risks being taken — the chances of being involved in or, even worse, causing, a serious collision, increase dramatically.
Changes
The Venson report comes ahead of the Government’s updated Road Safety Strategy, which is expected in early this year. Road safety experts believe it will include new measures to reduce collisions and improve public safety.
Venson’s report stresses the need for “improved driver awareness and stronger compliance with road safety guidance”.
This is where operators must work with drivers to not only ensure they operate within the rules of the road, but also that their shift patterns and delivery schedules to not make them feel pressured and take risks.
It is encouraging fleet operators to review their driving-for-work policies and “clearly outline expectations for safe driving, mirror checking, lane discipline and managing impatience and fatigue”.
Support
Venson client management director Simon Staton told Fleet World: “It is easy for experienced drivers to fall into bad habits, but these habits put all road users at risk.
“Enough drivers in our research admit to unsafe behaviours, which gives cause for concern. It is therefore vital that fleet operators reinforce safety rules and provide guidance on good driving practices.”
Venson also reminded employers of their duty of care to ensure every vehicle used for work – whether part of the company fleet or privately owned – is properly maintained, roadworthy and insured for business use.
Mr Staton said: “Fleet operators have a legal and moral responsibility to protect employees who drive for work. By investing in driver education and monitoring, businesses can lower collision rates, improve competency and deliver benefits across their organisation.”
Making each journey safely and without incident is in everyone’s best interests and by improving driver training and monitoring behaviour, operators can reduce accidents, downtime and associated costs and liability.
