RoSPA "bonus" to make company drivers safer

Company car drivers trained by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents are to get a bonus which will benefit them and their employers - and should keep them safer on the road.

The Society will give those taking its on-road driver training one year's free associate membership of RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders helping them to develop their driving further. Benefits will include up-to-the-minute road safety information and discounts on some products.

RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders aims to reduce accidents by promoting an interest in road safety and improving driving standards, knowledge and skill. The scheme will spread the word about advanced driving to a wider audience, providing an opportunity to influence the families of fleet drivers as well.

The Fleet Associate Membership will apply to anyone taking on-road driver training through RoSPA's Driver and Fleet Solutions Department from October 1, 2007. It is hoped fleet associates will be encouraged to join one of more than 50 local groups around the UK* where they can receive free training towards an advanced driving test if they wish.

They will also get RoSPA road safety e-bulletins, Care on the Road magazine, a 15 per cent discount on breakdown cover with GEM Motoring Assist and 10 per cent discounts on Halfords products and services.

Simon Protano, Head of RoSPA Driver and Fleet Solutions, said: "We hope many of the associate members will want to continue improving their driving to advanced level and will also encourage family members to join a local group and pass their advanced test.

"As people who are advanced drivers are 25 per cent less likely to be involved in a collision, it has to be good news for employers if those using company vehicles meet the highest standards.

"Employers will be playing their part in making our roads safer and will know their staff have access to the latest road safety information to enhance their driving knowledge."