BREWING giant Carlsberg-Tetley is backing a move to put almost 2,000 drivers through a new driver risk assessment programme in a bid to slash accidents and cut insurance costs by 25%.

The Northampton-based company has signed up to the Driver Assessment Training Aid (DATA) Programme - developed by DATA Programmes Ltd and sold through its partner DriveTech (UK).

Carlsberg-Tetley Brewing chief executive Colin Povey claims accident costs are at an 'unacceptable level' and says the company has an obligation to reduce them as much as possible.

He said: 'Every driver, regardless of age, gender or experience is exposed to some degree of risk. Carlsberg-Tetley has responsibility to all employees and their welfare and also to the general public.'

Group risk manager Tim Proctor described the company's claims history as 'poor' with the majority of incidents occurring at low speed due to 'careless and blameworthy' driver behaviour. Approval for the scheme gained support at the highest level, with chief executive and the executive board giving their backing.

DriveTech (UK) is working with the brewer in conjunction with Marsh, the risk management and insurance services company, which counts Carlsberg-Tetley among its clients. DriveTech (UK) is the sole provider of driver training services to Marsh, which introduced the two parties to each other.

The 25-minute CD-ROM-based risk assessment requires employees to answer a series of questions based around their age, type of vehicle they drive, lifestyle, driving style, driving knowledge and circumstances they may find themselves in while on the road. There are a number of video clips throughout the assessment keeping it 'real life' rather than theoretical.

At the conclusion of the assessment - costing £29.95 per user - each employee is given a risk rating.

For drivers with a poor risk rating or with a particular aspect of their driving which needs improving, a programme of driver training will be offered through DriveTech (UK).

Carlsberg-Tetley expects to have assessed all employees who drive on business within the next 18 months.

The company has a fleet of 740 cars and vans and 340 dray vehicles operating nationwide vehicles being driven by up to 2,000 drivers, while all new recruits will go through the programme.