Despite efforts to improve risk management, fleets are still leaving themselves worryingly exposed to some potentially deadly risks, according to Aviva, the UK’s largest fleet insurer.
Despite efforts to improve risk management, fleets are still leaving themselves worryingly exposed to some potentially deadly risks, according to Aviva, the UK’s largest fleet insurer.
The results of a study* by Aviva, which compares the changing approach to occupational road risk by more than 1,400 fleet managers over the past three years, shows that there are still a number of areas where duty of care requirements are not being met.
For example, the proportion of fleet managers obtaining details of a prospective new driver’s accident history - at around 55% - remains unchanged.
Steve Shirley, Aviva’s commercial motor risk manager says: “Especially in view of the intensified competition for jobs, fleet managers would be very well advised to check driver history, validate where possible and not be persuaded to take a driver’s word for it.”
Although 65% of fleet managers do now have a driver fatigue policy – an increase of more than 20% since 2005 - Shirley believes this ought to be standard among fleets.
“Fleet managers have a responsibility to make sure that employee workloads and drivers’ schedules are well planned to minimise the likelihood of driver fatigue.
“Car drivers in particular, shouldn’t drive for more than two hours without a break and fleet managers should consider setting in-house limits on maximum driving distances to determine the safest mode of transport and/or the need for overnight accommodation.”
When it comes to eyesight testing, only 13% of fleet managers enquire about a driver’s eyesight at the pre-employment stage - down 14% from 2005.
“Given the crucial importance of good driver eyesight, fleet managers should check and monitor their drivers’ vision as they would any other high risk.
“Whilst EU legislation is set to tighten up in this area over the coming years, in the meantime, fleet managers should seek reassurance that their drivers are regularly eye tested to ensure they are not putting themselves or other road users at unnecessary risk. Remember too, that every driver should have a pair of sunglasses readily available to avoid being blinded by sunlight – an all too common cause of collisions.”
Finally, although Aviva’s data showed that the number of fleet managers providing a driver handbook is on the increase (from 51% in 2005 to 58% in 2008), Shirley believes this too, really should be standard among fleets.
“It is a fundamental requirement that every fleet driver should have access to a driver handbook that is bespoke to their organisation, setting out information such as health & safety issues, driver responsibilities, permitted vehicle use, what to do in the event of an incident etc.”
A template driver handbook can be downloaded at www.aviva.co.uk/roadsense.
* The study data is collected via risk surveys conducted by Aviva Risk Management Services among 1,400 Aviva policyholders on an ongoing basis from 2008 - present.
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For further information, please contact:
Alex Anderson at Staniforth on 0161 919 8021 /07771 162583 or Adam Cracknell at Aviva’s UK Insurance press office on 01603 684916/ 07800 699 517
Notes to editors:
Aviva, the international savings, investments and insurance group, is the world’s fifth largest insurance group, serving 50 million customers across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
In the UK, Aviva is a leading provider of life, pensions, investment, general insurance and health products to more than 20 million customers. Aviva also provides roadside assistance through RAC. Products are distributed through a number of channels including IFAs, brokers, corporate partners and direct to customers via the internet.
Aviva's UK Insurance business has a market share of around 15%, making it the largest general insurer in the UK. The business is focused on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
Aviva's life and pensions business in the UK has a total market share of 12% and a top three position in its key markets of savings, protection, and annuities.
Aviva’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.