Free guidance on tackling driver distraction

Brake, the road safety charity, has published a guidance pack for fleets on tackling driver distraction.

The pack, which includes a survey report, best practice guidance for managers and an advice sheet for drivers, is available for free to organisations that register for Road Safety Week (November 18-24).

Distractions such as mobile phones are proven to severely impair driving ability.

In-vehicle technology such as sat navs can also cause fatal distractions: there have been cases of cyclists and pedestrians being hit by drivers who were fiddling with their sat navs instead of watching the road.

Encouragingly, 98% of fleets surveyed take some form of action on mobile phone risk, including educating drivers on the risks (58%) and banning all hand-held or hands-free mobile phone use at the wheel (28%).

However, of fleets with sat navs installed, less than half (48%) require drivers not to adjust these while driving.

Les Owen from Licence Bureau said: "Having witnessed three fatal crashes and attended many more, in which it is believed at least one of the drivers was distracted, I do not want anyone to suffer the devastating effects these crashes cause.

"Those responsible for drivers at work know of the risks of distraction, yet so many are not doing simple things that can prevent collisions.

"We recommend introducing checks on what drivers are doing while driving, followed up by management action and communication to staff.

"This will help ensure all drivers in the company are aware of what can happen if they are distracted at the wheel."

Roz Cumming, professional engagement manager at Brake, said: "Distraction at the wheel can have devastating consequences. These resources highlight the danger distracted drivers pose to themselves and other road users, and give clear guidance on the steps fleet managers can take against this risk.

"I urge all companies who employ people who drive for work to demonstrate their commitment to fleet safety by taking part in Road Safety Week, and by signing up to the Fleet Safety Forum to gain access to more resources like these."

Tune in to road safety

Road Safety Week is the UK's biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by the charity Brake and involving thousands of organisations, schools and communities.

This year it the main theme ‘tune in to road safety' with headline sponsors Romex and Specsavers.

Fleet managers are being encouraged to run activities during the week to promote key messages about avoiding distractions while at the wheel by, for example:

• running a campaign encouraging staff/customers to make Brake's Pledge on using roads safely, through special email bulletins or online;
• including a road safety feature in your newsletter, magazine, intranet or website;
• making a road safety display using the free posters from your e-action pack or by ordering additional resources from the Brake shop or sponsoring a giant Road Safety Week banner to display in your community;
• running safe driving presentations for employees. Get trained to do this at Brake's Pledge training courses; or
• teaming up with local educators or community groups to run awareness-raising events or activities, such as Bright Days.

If you've already registered for Road Safety Week please contact Brake to request these additions to your e-action pack on admin@brake.org.uk or 01484 559909.