Fleets could be missing out on key opportunities to help ensure the safety of their drivers and other road users, an ALD Automotive survey suggests.

The survey found that 62% of drivers have had no formal driver training. However, respondents said it was highly valued, with over a third who hadn’t been trained stating that they would like a better understanding of risk in order to improve safety. 

For the 38% who had received training, 84% said that they would recommend it. 

Mel Dawson, managing director of ALD Automotive, said: “The lack of formal driver training being offered may be down to the view that it is expensive or only necessary in a minority of cases. But training is clearly something that drivers want, and fleet managers have a number of tools, such as telematics, to identify opportunities for specific training in order to avoid costly behaviour.”

He continued: “With the onset of wintry conditions, driver training is particularly relevant in poor driving conditions. Fleets that don’t offer training are missing an opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce accidents and reduce running costs through lower fuel, maintenance and insurance bills, and it further demonstrates a duty of care to drivers.”

The survey, conducted over an 18-month period, also found that less than half of drivers (43%) had been asked to complete a simple health check to ensure that they are fit to drive for work purposes.

The ALD driver survey suggests that drivers are open to completing health checks, and are even in favour of Government legislation, with 81% saying they would support making health checks a legal requirement.

Dawson concluded: “Fleet managers are well aware that they have a duty of care towards employees using cars for work, and carrying out a few simple health checks should be a standard element of a company’s risk assessment to protect drivers and other road users.” 

The survey was conducted with more than 500 drivers, from different fleet sizes and across the UK, between April 2016 and October 2017.