FLEETS are snubbing the chance to cut accident rates by sending drivers on training courses, despite a long-running campaign to warn them of the dangers, a new report warns.

The Company Car Survey Report 2001 revealed that 30% of companies sent drivers on courses - down from 35% in 2000 and even the companies that did invest in training may not have approached the problem in the right way, with 54% claiming they had adopted a blanket training policy for all staff.

Driver training experts have warned that companies should examine the needs of drivers and tailor their approach to individual needs. The policies adopted in the report by companies that use driver training include: training all staff doing more than 2,500 business miles or those under 25 years old, or sending foreign nationals on training courses on their arrival in the country.

Fleets are under increasing pressure to cut accident levels, after Government-sponsored research revealed that up to one third of more than 3,000 road deaths every year could involve at-work drivers.

  • The Company Car Survey Report costs £170 and is available by calling 01600 716916.