A report commissioned by IAM RoadSmart, formally the Institute of Advanced Motorists, has shown that 86 per cent of vehicle fleets had experienced an accident in a 12 month period.

The report by Nutshell spoke to 20 fleet and health and safety professionals, from small and large fleets, representing around 7,000 drivers.   

IAM RoadSmart has used the knowledge gained from this research to develop a new course – Driving for Work. The course offers a tailored approach to training, working closely with the customer throughout the process to establish the needs of their drivers. 

Few people respond well to criticism and there is clear evidence that frightening messages on risk don’t motivate. IAM RoadSmart’s new course for business drivers aims to understand the individual’s own motivations and concerns, on a one-to-one basis, while looking at what can be done to make the often stressful business of driving for work easier and more enjoyable.  

The new Driving for Work course provides coaching and guidance on the elements of driving which really matter to the driver and the fleet. Topics covered include the potential impact of fatigue and mobile phone use; how to drive in a fuel efficient manner and the principles of manoeuvring when parking or driving in confined spaces.   

Lesley Upham, IAM RoadSmart Commercial Director said, “Business drivers are already under pressure. They are being bombarded with messages from all quarters, not least to be meeting their business objectives. People like us don’t need to add to that. Instead we work with them to make their lives easier through the way they drive."   

“This will in turn lead to them being safer on the roads, save money through using less fuel and taking the stress out of the sometimes arduous task of business driving. Driver retention is a key concern of fleet managers and supporting this through improving their driving enjoyment is really important.”