New resources to educate company drivers on vehicle maintenance

Road safety charity Brake has released new resources aimed at educating at-work drivers on the importance of proper vehicle maintenance.

The new resources, which are available through Brake Professional, Brake’s membership service for fleet operators and suppliers, include three short videos, demonstrating the correct way to carry out walk around checks on cars, vans, and trucks which can be used with drivers in induction, refresher, and remedial training. 

There is also a 'Stop wheel loss’ poster to be displayed in driver restrooms and other communal areas, reminding drivers of the consequences of wheel loss and the importance of checking wheel nuts as part of walk around inspections.

Vehicle maintenance is an important topic for employers to educate their drivers on as vehicle defects contributed to 2,000 crashes in 2013, 42 of them causing deaths.

Ellie Pearson, professional engagement manager at Brake, said: “Employers have a responsibility to ensure their at-work drivers are driving roadworthy, well-maintained vehicles. These latest Brake Professional resources are an important tool to help employers educate their drivers on the importance of vehicle walk around checks and wheel security, and also how to conduct vehicle checks thoroughly. I would urge anyone with responsibility for managing at-work drivers to make use of these essential resources, to help them manage road risk, and ultimately save lives.”

Mike Marczynski, Managing Director at Checkpoint, which sponsored the resources, said: "As an organisation that deals with the fundamental importance of road safety, Checkpoint Safety is a long standing supporter of Brake and is committed to fully endorsing their work and vision. As a charity they are committed to working with communities and organisations to promote road safety awareness, a topic very close to my heart. I would urge anyone with responsibility for at-work drivers to get on board and support this important charity.”