POLICE constables at Essex Police Traffic Investigation Unit have offered three key pieces of advice to fleet drivers. Firstly, be aware of your speed, particularly in urban areas. Secondly, if you are late for an appointment be late. Don't make yourself or anyone else early for the next life. And thirdly, if you have got a seat belt fitted, wear it.

The unit attends some 100 fatal traffic incidents a year in Essex, and a further 200 to 250 serious incidents, to carry out an objective investigation of the causes of accidents. Mechanical failure is almost never responsible for an incident, which places the responsibility for safer roads squarely with drivers.