NEW research suggesting lack of attention is the key cause in two-thirds of M25 accidents involving fleet drivers has prompted urgent calls for fleets to invest in risk assessments for staff.

The ARVAL PHH Accident Management study analysed claims made for fleet accidents on the M25 over the first six months of the year, and found that 39% involved at least two vehicles in the same lane where one of the drivers failed to stop in time and hit the vehicle in front.

The second highest proportion of accidents - 22% - involved a company car changing lanes and hitting another vehicle through failing to check mirrors.

Combined with those who struck an object on the road, a total of 66% of incidents resulted from a lack of driver awareness, according to research by ARVAL PHH Accident Management.