IAM Fleet continues to drive down risk

IAM Fleet, the commercial training division of the Institute of Advanced Motorists and a pioneer in the field of corporate driver training and fleet risk management, has launched a new professional development initiative for occupational drivers. Each of the 15,000 drivers who undergo IAM Fleet driver training each year will now receive 12 months’ free IAM Associate status.

“By working with IAM Fleet our customers are already demonstrating the importance they attach to driver safety. The new initiative gives them an additional resource to help continue the promotion of safe driving within their organisations, and so further reduce risk and raise driving standards,” said Derek Camp, IAM Fleet UK Business Manager.

“Associate status usually costs £18 per year, but we are delighted to offer this new opportunity completely free of charge for the first year to those who have taken one of our Fleet Driver training programmes. By inviting course participants to become IAM Associates, we hope many more of our trainees will go on to take the Advanced Driving Test and become ‘Advanced Drivers’ and Members of the IAM.”

Membership of the IAM is reserved for drivers and riders who have passed the Advanced Test. Recognising, however, that many drivers and other road users would like to develop their driving skills – and share some of the benefits of IAM membership, without first passing the Advanced Test – the IAM now offers the opportunity to enjoy closer links with the Institute as an IAM Associate.

The IAM and IAM Fleet

Established in 1956, the IAM is the UK’s leading road safety organisation dedicated to raising driving and riding standards and reducing the number of collisions that occur on our roads. IAM Fleet was formed in 1985 to improve the driving standard of company vehicle drivers. It has worked with over 1000 companies of all sizes and all commercial sectors throughout the UK and internationally, demonstrating that a proper training programme not only reduces accident risk, but also saves money on fleet costs, such as fuel, tyres, insurance and maintenance.

A typical IAM Fleet training day includes:

An overview on the most frequent types of accidents – and how to prevent them

Concentration, observation and anticipation – the key skills and how to develop them

Creation and management of space and time

Vehicle safety checks

Reducing driver stress and the importance of driver attitude

Use of mobile phones

The effects of fatigue/drugs/alcohol

Vehicle security

Fuel efficient driving

Improving low speed manoeuvring

The Advanced Driving Test has long been recognised as the standard for advanced driving and is increasingly being used by employers and drivers alike as a professional driving qualification.

IAM Associates can prepare for the Advanced Test in one of two ways: they can take part in a Skill for Life programme with the support of a local IAM Group, consisting entirely of unpaid volunteers with a passion for sharing their expertise; or they can take an IAM Fast Track course. An intensive driver training course designed to fit in with busy lifestyles, Fast Track is usually taken over two half-days. Training is delivered by a qualified instructor, approved by the Department for Transport and accredited by the IAM. Training is largely on-road, and can usually take place locally, starting and ending somewhere convenient for the participant.

Full information is available from Sandra Worsfold at the IAM on 0208 996 9650.