Reputation tops fleet bosses’ driver woes

The impact of drivers’ bad road habits on company image is the biggest concern for fleet bosses, according to research from Norwich Union.

And fleet telematics is the best way of tackling the problem says the UK’s largest fleet insurer.

Researchers canvassed the views of 300 fleet managers across car, van and HGV fleets, asking what bothered them most about their drivers’ behaviour.

After reputation, the top worries focused on complying with duty of care requirements, maximising employee productivity and speeding.

In terms of vehicle type, van fleet bosses are the most concerned about how their drivers are affecting the company’s image and the speeds they are driving. When it comes to long driving stints without a break, it’s car fleet managers that fear most for their drivers.

Ninety six per cent of those questioned claimed an awareness and understanding of duty of care, but only two-thirds (64%) said they were fully conversant with the requirements. More than half said they would benefit from having risk management advice and 49% would welcome having access to data on the driving behaviour of their drivers.

Lindsay Guy, fleet underwriting manager for Norwich Union, says: “How can businesses ensure that their drivers are driving safely while their company name is often visible on the side of the vehicle?

“They can – and should – conduct driver training inductions to help assess the risk level of any given driver. But once the drivers are out on the road, the boss can’t be with them in person at all times to monitor their behaviour, which is where technology comes in.

“Having on-board telematics fills the glaring gap in protection for the driver and company by relaying accurate data about how they conduct themselves behind the wheel. This information can then help the fleet manager to take action where he sees threats to the company image and his duty of care obligations.”

Other fleet manager concerns highlighted by the survey included maximising vehicle use, using the vehicle for unauthorised activities, keeping a track of employees’ movements, alcohol and drug use and insufficient checks on the vehicles.