True cost of business-related road incidents is a 'revelation' to fleet managers

The true cost of business-related road incidents has been a 'revelation' to fleet managers, says road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

Transport industry fleet managers were gathered together recently by the organisation to learn more about the true costs of business-related road crashes, and were shocked to discover the impact these collisions could have on their profits.

Representatives from blue-chip companies including Cannon Hygiene and Pest Control, Belron UK and the National Service for Health Improvement (NHSI), attended the second gathering of the Business Customer Advisory Group (BCAG), hosted by IAM RoadSmart. 

In 2013, 1,731 people lost their lives in Great Britain in road traffic crashes with one-third of all crashes involving people on a business-related journey.

Managers at the gathering felt that businesses are unaware of just how expensive a crash can be and the ‘ripple’ effect of how that cost keeps increasing.

To appreciate just how expensive to a business those ripples can be, the group which meets regularly to identify issues and debate solutions, was addressed by a leading road risk management specialist who lifted the lid on the real bottom line costs of a business-related crash, which include lost productivity, late deliveries, brand damage and high staff turnover.

Lesley Upham, commercial director of IAM RoadSmart, said: “The true cost of a crash was a revelation to everyone at the meeting.

"A crash is not just about vehicle damage – it can affect company reputation and at worst result in a fatality and a corporate manslaughter fine.

“The impact on profits is far greater than many businesses might imagine.

"As the roads get more crowded and the pressures on employees increase, the commercial sector knows it cannot afford to bury its head in the sand and is looking for targeted, preventative intercessions.”

To support this requirement and building on its new business portfolio Driving for Work, IAM RoadSmart used the BCAG meeting to preview a new range of driver safety course modules including motorway driving and vehicle management.