in the driver's seat

Our corporate education & training programmes have a theoretical foundation utilising current psychological theory and concepts. Programmes are mentally and emotionally engaging. Programmes aim to challenge the thought processes and emotional habits that drive driver behaviour. 

what are the costs

The costs of crashes to companies can be substantial – both in human and monetary terms.

Some of the financial costs of work-related road crashes are superannuation, unplanned absences, car costs and payments to third parties.

It makes sense that companies do their best to reduce the likelihood of crashes to keep vehicle insurance premiums and repair and maintenance costs down.

Most importantly, no employer wants to have one of their staff killed or injured in an accident.

 


fleet safety

All employers – whether their business is large or small - have a legal and moral responsibility to look after the safety of their staff.

Part of this ‘duty of care’ is ensuring the safety of employees on the roads if their job requires any driving.

Employers have an obligation to make sure company cars are in a sound mechanical condition and ensure they have the necessary skills and training.

Having a road or fleet safety policy is a positive step that employers can take to reduce the risk of their staff being killed or injured on the road.

Safe driving results in lower wear and tear on company fleet vehicles, and fewer crashes mean lower repair costs.  No company wants to see their employees injured. The human toll of road crashes can significantly affect the morale and well-being of all staff.

It’s important that staff understand their responsibilities when driving a company vehicle and what behaviours are expected of them. They also need to see ‘what’s in it for them’ – this may include the safety benefits for them as individuals, as well as the cost and reputation benefits, of abiding by a safe driving policy.

It is well established that education and training are precursors to behavioural change. Increasing driver knowledge and awareness of safety issues is a valuable tool in drivers recognising and evading dangers on the road. Appropriate training and education programs based on the needs of employees should be assessed and implemented in an appropriate fashion within the organisation.

Human behaviour is shaped in childhood by a person’s attitudes, beliefs and values and
is refined or reshaped in adolescence and adult life. This socialisation process is a dynamic process whereby experiences and education can help reinforce, reshape or change behaviour. There is some evidence to suggest that fleet drivers adopt higher risk behaviours in work vehicles than they normally would because there is little or no
financial burden involved (Newman, Watson & Murray 2002).

WHY IMPLEMENT?

Social Reasons: The introduction of a fleet safety policy can have a positive effect whereby workers
develop a safer driving culture away from work, setting an example and influencing their
families (Murray et al 2003)

Legal Reasons: As a legal obligation and a ‘duty of care’, employers are obliged to provide a safe workplace and systems of work, along with safety information, instruction, training and supervision (Murray et al 2003)

Business Reasons: The business
benefits from the introduction of fleet safety policies can include:
􀁸 Improved productivity
􀁸 Enhanced quality of service
􀁸 Improved employee relations
􀁸 Reduced costs (vehicle damage/insurance)
􀁸 A better public image
􀁸 Compliance with OSH regulations
􀁸 Off-the-job awareness.
(Murray et al 2003)

Financial Reasons: Crash costs cut into the budget of an organisation with average repair costs being around $2000 (Wheatley 1997) and an average total cost of $18 500 (Stewart-Bogle 1999). Work-related crashes cost Australia $425 million per year (Stewart-Bogle 1999) and the cost is shared 40% by employees, 30% by employers and 30% by the community
(Wheatley 1997).