Firm's driver training scheme behind council safety initiative

A NATIONAL firm which has saved thousands of pounds in accident costs through driver training is throwing its weight behind Lancashire County Council's efforts to encourage more companies to make their drivers safer behind the wheel. Morecambe-based Cannon Hygiene introduced a number of safety programmes for its 500 company vehicle drivers, 90% of whom are female, four years ago.

Stephen Somers, the company's transport manager, said the annual percentage of the fleet involved in accidents had dropped from 83.4% to 76.4%, but more importantly, the cost of each accident had plunged. He said: 'Drivers are more careful and it is just silly things now. Because they are more aware of their surroundings, if they do make a mistake, it causes £200 worth of damage, instead of £2,000. This also cuts our insurance bill.'

As a result, the total fleet accident cost has remained static despite the fleet growing by 200 vehicles. The company has now officially signed up to Lancashire County Council's Make the Difference road safety campaign, and will serve as a flagship fleet to show others how driver training can work.