NEW calls for fleets to introduce driver training and encourage staff to take the advanced driving test have been made by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the wake of last week's high-profile new car crash test findings published by the Transport Research Laboratory.

While the results were welcomed by the IAM as providing valuable information to new car buyers, it complained that such statistics rarely focused on the ability of drivers to exercise sufficient skill to avoid accident situations.

Claiming that 95% of all road accidents were caused by driver error the IAM also pointed out that drivers who had passed the advanced driving test were 75% less likely to cause, or become involved in, a road traffic accident. The IAM believes the adoption of advanced driving techniques practised by its members contributes significantly to road safety.