Training saves fuel and reputations, says U.K. Auto Association
By: Drivers.com staff
Date: 1999-09-27
Britain's company fleet managers could knock 10% off their fuel and car maintenance bills, simply by putting their drivers through training, according to the U.K. Automobile Association Driving School.
Rover, Honda, National Grid, the Post Office, Honda, TNT, and the Environment Agency are just a few of the big fleets for which the AA has provided qualified driver training programs. But an increasing number of smaller fleets-local firms of chartered accountants, or marketing agencies with just five or 10 cars-are recognizing the benefits of giving their drivers tailored instruction.
What is qualified driver training?
"Passing the driving test qualifies someone to go out on the road and continue to learn to drive," says Martin Adam, business development manager for the AA Driving School. "For many of us, this was perhaps 10, 20 or even 30 years ago-plenty of time to learn many mistakes and forget the wise words of our first instructor.
"Recognizing that experienced motorists already know how to drive, with qualified driver training, coaching is tailored to pick up an individual's errors, correct them, and to help drivers continue to use their new-found skills long after the training is over."
Who needs it?
Fleet managers are giving training to drivers of both liveried and unliveried vehicles. "Whether or not your company name is on the side of the vehicle, a poor standard of driving is not only dangerous and costly, but also puts your company reputation on the line," says Martin Adam.
Benefits
Obvious benefits are cost savings, in the form of up to 10% savings in fuel, tire use, and general wear and tear on the vehicle. But there are additional costs following a serious accident, such as an employee being unable to work; payments to cover medical treatment; spiraling insurance premiums; and repair or replacement of the vehicle. Employees who drive safely are likely to arrive at their destination less stressed and more ready for work.
What courses cover
The AA Driving School provides special qualified driving training instructors-one instructor to two candidates, usually for a seven-hour session.
Typically, a day's training will focus on:
- Vehicle control and positioning
- Observation, anticipation and planning
- Hazard recognition
- Space management and tailgating
- The two-second rule
- Correct speed for the situation
- Signaling and communication
- Reversing and parking
- Weather and road surfaces
- Fuel consumption
- Vehicle security
- Knowledge and use of the Highway Code
- Safety of lone drivers
What training costs
On the basis of one instructor to two drivers for a 7-hour day, the cost is �140.
"Companies often have specific objectives when investing in the training of their drivers," says Martin Adam. "This may include seeking to cut insurance premiums, compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing accidents and damage, cutting running costs, or improving the residual value of the fleet. All these factors will show significant improvement when drivers' road observation, anticipation, and planning are enhanced."
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