A DRUG research company is trying to reduce its accident rates by sending its fleet drivers and non-company car users on a defensive driver training course. Applied Bio Systems (ABS) has given its 140 company car drivers practical training, while a further 100 employees who occasionally drive hire cars for business received laptop presentations on hazard awareness.

Bobbie Howarth, ABS's internal resource team leader, said: 'Our accident record of 88 incidents in 2000 was quite high. We wanted to improve our safety record across the board.' Since February, the firm has had no major accidents, compared to a couple of write-offs in the same period last year.

'If we improve driving standards across the company, as well as reducing our £45,000 accident repair bill, I think we can say the training has been a success,' she said. RAC Business Services conducted the driver training courses.