Bad fleet drivers cause headaches

By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 2006-08-01

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When it comes to drivers, the biggest concern of British fleet managers is how their behind-the-wheel employees impact their company's reputation.

A survey of 300 fleet managers carried out last February and March by Norwich Union Insurance indicated that fleet managers want more information about their drivers and will look to telematics technology to monitor behavior out on the road.

Telematics is the term used for technologies that transfer information wirelessly. Driver monitoring technologies include GPS location tracking and monitoring of speed, braking, acceleration and even driver break times.

"Having on-board telematics fills the glaring gap in protection for the driver and company by relaying accurate data about how they conduct themselves behind the wheel," says Lindsay Guy, fleet underwriting manager for Norwich Union. "This information can then help the fleet manager to take action where he sees threats to the company image and his duty of care obligations," Lindsay adds.

Businesses can conduct driver-training to help assess the risk level of drivers, Lindsay says, but once the drivers are out on the road, there is a need for technology to monitor their behavior.

After reputation, the top worries of fleet managers were complying with "duty of care" requirements, maximising employee productivity and speeding.

Duty of Care refers to legislation that requires employers to implement procedures that ensure maximum safety of their employees.

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