COMPANY car drivers are the target of an Auto Windscreens summer months road safety campaign to cut the number of accidents due to poor visibility. The windscreen replacement company says fly stains, dust and dirt create a hazard for motorists when sunny days and dry roads result in faster driving conditions than the rest of the year.

And the Auto Windscreens' campaign has already received the backing of Budget Rent-a-Car, TNT, Green Flag and motor insurers Admiral, Cornhill and Provident. About 34% of all serious and fatal road accidents occur between May and August, with about 1,200 road users killed during this period.

Richard Usher, Auto Windscreens executive director, said: 'Fleet drivers are on the road more than most, so we are particularly keen to improve their chances by urging them to slow down and pay more attention to the level of visibility given by their windscreens. We see appalling levels of visibility on windscreens we repair. Fly stains are very difficult to remove, especially with just clear water.'

The launch of the campaign coincides with Brake's Road Safety Week, and Auto Windscreens says it hopes the support of this initiative will be reflected by fleet managers warning drivers to keep washer fluid topped up and windscreens clear.