A unique on-screen assessment system is set to enable fleet managers make dramatic reductions in the time it takes to pinpoint problem drivers, claims Adrian Trim, head of a new road safety organisation.
Devised by road safety experts and based on questions set by former police officers, the new system takes 45 minutes to provide detailed information on driving ability, attitudes and awareness of hazards.
Trim said: 'We think we have found the answer to the problem of unnecessary training. Money is wasted when fleet managers put all their drivers through in-vehicle training, even though only 20% are responsible for 80% of the risk.
'Their dilemma is not knowing who needs training. Picking people at random leaves them open to accusations of victimisation, but the alternative is massively expensive because it costs several hundred pounds a day for each person - plus the lost time and productivity.'
Trim has teamed up with Jeremy Phillips to set up an internet monitoring service called Risk Mapping Online.
He said: 'Since we don't offer driver training, we have no vested interest in recommending it. Our system allows drivers to be assessed and compared with colleagues from the same depot, across a company or nationally so fleet managers can identify those most at risk.
'The rest receive specific advice on their deficiencies and how they can improve their driving.
'A company with 1,000 drivers could spend £420,000 putting them through in-vehicle training whether or not they need it. Putting them all through our test and sending the worst 20% for training would cost £110,000.
'Managers and other senior executives risk prosecution if they are not able to demonstrate that they have taken every possible step to assess and reduce the risks of accidents. Our reports will show that they have taken their responsibilities seriously and exercised their duty of care for at-work drivers.'
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