SANDERSON Bramall Motor Group is hoping to axe by half the number of accidents in which its parts delivery drivers are involved. The company is turning to a computer-age technology defensive driver package to train every one of its 240 parts drivers.

They are to complete a 20-30 minute session using a CD-ROM which utilises animation to demonstrate safer ways to drive, and a multiple choice knowledge quiz, based on real life on-the-road situations. Scores are then recorded and the company hopes continuous development will be achieved as the drivers return to the programme at regular intervals to increase their skills and improve their scores. To make drivers even more aware, all of the 240-strong van fleet will have 'How's My Driving' stickers on the back asking members of the public to call a hotline if the driver is seen driving badly.

Keith Hartrick, managing director of SBMG, said: 'The accidents drivers are being involved in are not major, just shunts into the back of cars at junctions, that sort of thing. We are hoping this package will reduce the number of collisions by half, and therefore create significant savings for the company.'