AS the Government, Health and Safety Executive, Driving Standards Agency and the police combine forces to crack down on the number of road traffic accidents involving drivers on company business, fleet managers have been told they have a duty of care to all employees who drive.

With tough new legislation and regulations proposed governing the workplace - which includes the use of cars - it is widely believed the safety remit facing fleet managers extends beyond just company car drivers.

As the Government discusses the introduction of a new charge of 'corporate killing', it is widely believed the crackdown will apply not just to company car drivers but anyone at the wheel of a car on company business.

Therefore, companies which employ staff who have taken the cash for car option or companies which reimburse staff who use their own cars on company business could find themselves in the firing line and, consequently, have a duty of care.

'If you are driving a car on company business your chances of being involved in an accident are 50% greater than if you are a private motorist,' said Interleasing (UK) managing directorNick Brownrigg, speaking at the first of a series of Fleet News Editor's Lunches. 'I would not like to be the first company put on the sacrificial altar and charged with the offence of 'corporate killing'.'

'The philosophy must flow through the organisation and must be brought to the attention of directors. And the fleet manager may be the person to generate that awareness. If you don't think about the implications, you are negligent. To think about the implications and not act is damning.'