FLEETS investing in driver training could make four times their investment in reduced accident costs, according to Driving Services. A computer-based cost benefit analysis launched by the firm shows in hard figures the possible savings, which have been proved in the field with customers.

Projected cost savings are provided for three different programmes, based on the most popular Driving Services courses - theory only, a half day programme with a short briefing and a full day with a theory session. The programme projects costs savings, claims costs per vehicle, insurance costs and indicates the cost of the training.

Doug Jenkins, managing director of Driving Services, said: 'We have often been asked for a projection of the savings and the cost of the training. Now potential clients can have all of those answers at the touch of a button. 'The projections are based on actual results from each training option and I believe it is the only such programme on the market that calculates the savings using three separate options. It has been market tested and proved very realistic and reliable.'

For a typical 100-strong car fleet with 65 accident claims a year with an average cost of £1,100, a £14,500 investment in a full day training programme for drivers would cut accident costs by £60,000 according to Driving Services, a 400% return on the investment. For the same fleet investing in a half-day programme, the savings are £29,750 and a theory-only programme saves £16,625.