Brake urging fleet operator caution with new young driver risk management guide

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - 10:09
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RISK: Brake publish two new reports

Road safety charity Brake are helping fleet managers minimise young driver risk through the publication of two new reports.

The ‘best practice guidance’ and ‘survey’ reports have been produced as part of Brake’s campaign to improve fleet safety and help organisations save lives, money and the environment.

Both reports provide insight into the risks posed by employing novice drivers and advice on how to minimise those risks to maximise whole fleet safety.

The ‘best practice guidance report’ offers expert advice from a recent Brake seminar on young fleet drivers, with part one focusing on how such employees are managed.

Meanwhile, the ‘survey report’ is the first of four entries reviewing a recent Licence Bureau-sponsored Brake survey of fleet managers.

Roz Cumming, Professional Engagement Manager of Brake, said: “Fleet managers must be proactive in managing the risks associated with young drivers.

“This includes keeping an up-to-date record of drivers’ ages, as well as detailed records of drivers’ involvement in crashes.

“These reports highlight the importance of managing young driver risk, and provide practical steps for fleet managers to follow.”

Both publications are especially pertinent in light of the UK government’s planned green paper on improving the safety of and reducing risks to young drivers.

Brake’s recently-published survey results also show widespread public support for elements of graduated driver licensing (GDL).

As referenced in the ‘best practice guidance’, elements of GDL can be adopted by fleet managers to improve the safety of young drivers.

Almost a quarter (23%) of survey respondents did not know what proportion of their vehicle collisions involved a young driver.

Brake say such a find is concerning, as fleets that do not record and maintain this information are unable to assess and mitigate their risk.

Les Owen, Compliance Consultant at Licence Bureau, said: “Companies should positively manage young drivers by checking key areas of risk reduction regularly.

“Showing an interest in how they drive will influence the driving.

“These two new Brake reports provide valuable information and guidance to help fleet managers address the risks.”

Traffic fatalities are the most common cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds worldwide.

As at-work drivers of any age are 26% more likely to crash than other drivers, Brake say it is vital fleet managers prioritise managing this young high-risk group.

The reports are available for free to Fleet Safety Forum subscribers, or can be purchased as a ‘young drivers at work’ pack for £7.50 by non-subscribers.

As a special offer, the first 25 non-subscribers to request the ‘young drivers at work’ pack will receive a copy for free.

“I’d urge anyone who doesn’t already subscribe to sign up to Brake’s Fleet Safety Forum to get access to these resources and many others like them,” Mr Cumming added.

Brake is an independent road safety charity that exists to stop the five deaths and 66 serious injuries that happen on UK roads every day.

The Fleet Safety Forum is a dedicated, not-for-profit service for fleet managers run by the charity.

Subscribers receive: e-bulletins containing the latest initiatives and research in fleet and road safety from across the globe; password access to the Fleet Safety Forum website containing guidance for managers and a host of resources for drivers; posters; free training in Brake’s Pledge to stop dangerous and unnecessary driving; and discounted invitations to Brake’s professional conferences and workshops.

Annual subscription costs £155 +VAT, with further information available at www.fleetsafetyforum.org, or by contacting Brake on 01484 559909 or [email protected].

Image courtesy of kenjonbro, with thanks.

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