Dangerous habits of business drivers revealed
New research by IAM RoadSmart has identified the most dangerous habits behind the wheel of business drivers.
Based on a survey of more than 4,500 participants in its ‘Driving for Work’ training course, it found that almost a third of business drivers do not check their mirrors or blind spots, while 23% regularly tailgate other drivers.
Meanwhile, 22% do not observe the road ahead for potential hazards.
It also found that 33% of business drivers were rated as below average for gear selection appropriate to their speed, 34% were classed as poor at managing speed and space around their vehicle, and 19% routinely failed to change gear at the correct time.
Fleet managers
Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “These findings will make disappointing reading for many fleet managers who are on the frontline for ensuring safety and reducing their organisation’s cost and carbon footprint.
“What these results show is that bad habits creep in over time, even with good drivers. The implications for fleets are significant, not only in terms of damage to vehicles, but for the safety of drivers and other road users and as a consequence, reputation.
“In far too many cases, drivers are failing to carry out even basic actions, like checking their mirrors or maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles in front.”
Small changes
Lyes added: “These actions also have cost implications – but a few small changes can make a big difference – such as eliminating over-revving and managing speed. By doing so, modestly sized fleets save tens of thousands of pounds each year, while larger fleets are potentially wasting more than £70,000 annually.
“Regular top-up driver training is the best way to maintain standards, keep safe on the roads and prevent the costs that come from poor driving behaviours from spiralling out of control.”
