Transport Research Laboratory launches accident investigation course for fleet managers

Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has launched a new CPD-accredited vehicle accident investigation course for fleet, operation and health and safety managers.

With more than a quarter of all road traffic incidents involving people driving for work, the course is designed to equip those responsible for fleet management with the required skills and knowledge to address issues arising from incidents involving company vehicles and staff.

The two-day course aims to provide attendees with everything they need to understand investigate and assess vehicle accidents.

Participants will be given the introductory skills required to analyse physical evidence and produce conclusions about the circumstances of an accident, with topics covered including health and safety considerations, injury causation, vehicle examination, reconstruction methods and report writing.

Individuals attending the course will also gain 11 CPD hours, which can be allocated to their professional development record.

Helen Cotton, safety and technology group manager at TRL, said: “The course is not about teaching fleet managers how to manage their fleet effectively.

“It’s about arming them with the skills needed to investigate and gather facts from accidents.

"This not only helps to facilitate decision making and corrective actions, but can inform an organisation’s legal position and help reduce insurance costs.”

Cotton added: "Even minor injury accidents can result in stress, lost productivity and criminal or civil litigation, so it’s imperative that businesses understand the appropriate steps to take to mitigate these risks."

The vehicle accident investigation course is delivered by TRL’s team of  experienced accident investigators.

The team also runs the Department for Transport sponsored RAIDS project, attending the scene of ‘live’ collisions alongside the emergency services to gather vehicle, scene, witness and injury data.

November is safety month for Fleet News, coinciding with Brake’s road safety week. Look out for our two themed issues: November 12 and November 26, plus content on our website.