Advanced Driving Reduces Risk of Work-Related Road Crashes

In the last 12 years, more than 62,000 people have died or been seriously hurt in a road traffic accident, with over 500,000 injured in work-related road crashes. Employees required to drive for their jobs are becoming an increasingly vulnerable sector. But while these may be worrying figures, advanced driving courses can significantly reduce the risk faced by all road users, especially those driving for work.

Work-related crashes cost employers £2.7 billion

Not just devasting for everyone involved, road accidents have considerable reputational, financial, and legal implications for employers. Whether it involves company cars, commercial vehicles, or staff driving their own cars for work-related appointments. Business-related road crashes cost employers over £2.7 billion each year.

Employer responsibility

If you are an employer, the law requires you to consider the health and safety competencies of your employees when you task them with a job. You are obliged to ensure that they are adequately trained before being exposed to any workplace risks. And remember, for professional drivers, their workplace is the road.

Driver mistakes cause 95% of collisions 

Mistakes by drivers cause 95% of accidents on the road, figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reveal. For employees, improving your driving skills is the best way for you to reduce your own risk of being hurt and also the risk for other road users. 

Reduce your risk when driving for work

Regardless of how long you have held your driving license, you are likely to have forgotten some of what you were taught and go on to develop your own bad habits. But that is why further training is so important in helping you become a better, more prepared and vigilant driver who can spot signs of danger and able to take better control of the car.

Advanced drivers 25% less likely to crash

When a driver becomes an advanced driver they become 25 percent less likely to be involved in a road accident, says RoSPA. Advanced drivers are more observant and better at anticipating changes. These improved driving skills and road knowledge will also save you money on the costs of running and protecting your work vehicle.

Regain skills many drivers forget

An advanced driving course will show you how to drive with confidence and in a safe way on all types of roads. The course will include reading the road ahead, vehicle positioning, dealing with different weather conditions and economic driving. All skills that many drivers gradually lose or forget.

Improve your driving skills for business and home

The advanced skills will make a much safer and more efficient driver. These improved skills will not just benefit your employer’s business, it will have also have a positive impact on your own personal driving skills outside of work.

The road can be a dangerous place for any road user. For people who drive for work, however, the risks of being involved in a road traffic accident is far greater. But by improving your driver knowledge, skills and confidence on the road you can help to protect your own safety and those of other road users.

Kindly written and supplied by Jennifer Dawson