FLEET managers must improve the specification of their vehicles to help drivers avoid fatigue and potential sleep-related accidents, according to John Lyons, managing director of leasing company Godfrey Davis. He has called for fleets to insist on automatic gearboxes and air-conditioning to help motorists avoid tiredness.

His call comes after a survey by oil giant Shell UK revealed that 37% of fleet drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel, compared to a national average of 30%. Lyons said: 'Although these findings indicate that drivers have to take a more responsible and analytical approach to driver's schedules, what many companies fail to realise is that providing employees with better specification cars can help to alleviate the problem. The company car has long been referred to as a mobile office. It is just common sense to ensure a driver's lot is a happy one, just as you do in the office.'