WHY A DRIVER RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME IS NEEDED

Business now faces a multitude of issues with regard to the management of vehicle fleets. One of these issues is the management of various risks associated with the use of vehicles whilst drivers are carrying out their work duties. Many fleets are not fully aware of all these risks and their responsibilities to mitigate them.

The majority of fleet users currently face:
. Escalating insurance costs
. Increasing legislation and the potential for litigation
. Employee welfare issues
. Permanent pressure on their "bottom line" requirements

The appointment of a professional fleet risk management company can serve to alleviate many of the above situations. By implementing an appropriate plan, Drive & Survive can:
. Assist with Health & Safety law compliance, in particular Duty of Care obligations
. Produce quantifiable fleet running cost savings
. Allow control of insurance costs and the pursuance of a more cost effective insurance strategy
. Improve staff welfare and staff relations

There are probably four main reasons most companies will implement a driver risk management programme:

1. Legal. Every company employing more than five employees has a Duty of Care to those employees enshrined in law. Part of that Duty of Care is to minimise the risks employees are exposed to in the work place and a risk assessment must be undertaken to quantify such risks.

2. Staff Welfare. To ensure staff are as protected as possible from any risks in the workplace, therefore making the lives of staff safer both at work and at leisure.

3. Operating Cost Reduction. Effectively operated fleet risk management reduces incident frequency and costs, contributing to long-term increases in operating profitability.

4. Improved Customer Service. With reduced driver and vehicle downtime, and incident frequency, there naturally comes greater resource availability.

It is not often the case that Government legislation imposed on businesses actually serves to reduce costs but thankfully this is the case when driver risk management is professionally and effectively implemented.