Ignorance and Lack of Fleet Training Causing Problems in UK

Drivers taking to the roads across the UK have a reasonable expectation that operators of commercial vehicles have been properly trained and are fully cognisant of the law as it applies to them. However, a recent study commissioned by DAC Beechcroft and Allianz Commercial suggests we might want to lower those expectations. It would appear a lack of fleet training and ignorance of the law is a lot more widespread than many of us would like to believe.

According to Fleet News, the survey revealed the following:

• 56% of fleet managers and company drivers don’t know what constitutes dangerous driving according to the law
• 50% of those same managers and drivers are ignorant regarding the penalties assessed for dangerous driving
• only 13% of the managers claim to actively educate drivers about safe driving
• only 16% of respondents were aware of the business implications of a company driver being in an accident.

What is most alarming about the study is the fact that neither fleet managers nor company drivers seem to be aware of the seriousness of dangerous driving, either at the level of harming other drivers or putting their own employers in jeopardy. Ignorance of the law appears directly related to a lack of routine fleet training that could potentially lower the number of accidents commercial drivers are involved in.

The survey should be a wake-up call to any business making use of company-owned vehicles for commercial purposes. However, it is especially important to companies involved in the haulage and transport sectors due to the tendency for their vehicles to be larger and heavier than passenger cars. The last thing we need are HGV and lorry operators who lack both fleet training and legal literacy.

Companies Can Train With Us

If you are a fleet manager seeing the results of this survey for the first time, you might be as alarmed as we are. However, there is good news here. The HGV Training Centre does not provide training exclusively to individual drivers attempting to earn a commercial licence for the first time. We also offer fleet training to companies of all sizes.

Our fleet training can include classes for new drivers earning an upgraded licence, remedial training to make sure veteran drivers remain sharp, and CPC training necessary to bring your company and drivers into compliance with the law. All of our training is offered by professionals who we consider to be among the best in the business.

If you would like to know more about the HGV Training Centre and what we offer, you are invited to contact us at your earliest convenience. We have more than 45 facilities all around the UK, making it as convenient as possible for you to arrange training for your fleet of drivers. We urge you to take heed of the study results we mentioned earlier. Take the time now to make sure all of your drivers are fully trained and knowledgeable in how the law applies to them.

Sources:

Fleet News – https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/2014/2/12/lack-of-education-and-driver-training-leaves-fleets-at-risk-says-safety-survey/49577/