The Fleet Safety Forum, the fleet division of road safety charity Brake is urging fleets to ensure their drivers know what to do in the event of a breakdown.

In 2007, 117 people were killed or injured in crashes involving vehicles parked on the hard-shoulder.

More than a third of drivers incorrectly believe that they should wait next to or inside their vehicle for breakdown recovery.

And more than one in four men will attempt to repair their vehicle on the hard shoulder, putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“It’s surprising how many drivers will still wait in their vehicle on the hard shoulder rather than getting themselves to safety,” said Roz Cumming, Fleet Safety Forum manager.

“Companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers and other road users are protected in the event that a breakdown occurs.”

An information pack, which has been produced with funding from Green Flag, provides fleet managers with guidance on ensuring breakdowns are avoided wherever possible, and containing driver information explaining what to do in the event of a break down.

Copies be obtained by calling 01484 559909.