RoadSafe backs plans to establish at-work driving qualifications

Government proposals to develop qualifications for at-work drivers have been welcomed by RoadSafe, the organisation that is at the centre of promoting occupational road risk management to British business.

Although, this week’s Department for Transport’s proposals to reform the way people learn to drive and how they are tested focus on young drivers, the Government also said it wanted to create a culture in which the driving test was a milestone towards lifelong learning.

A vital component of that ‘skill for life’ concept will be the development, in partnership with employers, of vocational qualifications for all at-work drivers, but particularly van drivers.

RoadSafe, which manages the Department for Transport’s ‘Driving for Better Business’ campaign, which is aimed at spreading best practice in work-related road safety, was consulted by officials as they compiled the ‘Learning to Drive’ consultation document.

The website www.drivingforbetterbusiness.com provides a one-stop shop of resources for businesses wanting to implement at-work road safety measures. Additionally, a major feature of the programme is its ‘Business Champions’ initiative, which sees organisations that have already adopted occupational road risk management best practice promoting the financial, legal and ethical benefits of safe driving among businesses and other organisations.

Among a wide range of companies and organisations that are already ‘business champions’ are: T-Mobile, Tesco.com, BSkyB, Whitbread, Cambridgeshire County Council, Scottish and Southern Energy and Centrica.

RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh said: “Many organisations already see the real benefits of investing in the training and career development of those who drive on business. Measures include advanced driving courses.”

However, with 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week resulting from crashes involving at-work drivers, thousands of small, medium and large companies across the UK must improve the safety of their at-work drivers.

Mr Walsh said: “Whether driving company cars, vans or their own vehicles on business, employees who drive as part of their job undertake daily one of the most dangerous tasks they will ever be asked to undertake in their working life.

“The Government recognises that and wants to develop a programme of higher and vocational qualifications, which includes an assessment. That is an initiative which has our 100% support. Once developed, we believe such qualifications could be a key part of a company’s staff recruitment process.

“But, such qualifications take time to develop and launch. It is hugely important that companies and organisations of all sizes and operating in spheres of business and industry face up to their legal responsibilities now and don’t wait for the Government plans to reach fruition.

“This means companies initially conducting a risk management audit of all their at-work drivers -even if they only drive a few miles a year - and then putting in a place a range of solutions to reduce that identified risk exposure.

“Acquiring a full driving licence is only the start of people learning to drive. Our ‘Business Champions’ want their employees to be safe and it is essential that all employers take an identical view to stem the tragic toll of death and injury on our roads.”