WHEN it comes to high risk categories in need of training, funeral car drivers would not often be top of the chart. But Co-operative Funeralcare is putting all of its drivers through a driver training programme to ensure the last journey is the safest.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is providing the training for the funeral directors which is part of the Co-operative Group.

Derek Camp, national business manager (north) at IAM Fleet, said: 'Although probably hard to believe, driving slowly can be as much of a hazard as driving too fast.

'Even though the public tends to recognise a funeral cortege and act appropriately, it is of great benefit to the drivers of the funeral vehicles if they have been trained specifically to drive in these conditions and how best to react should a situation occur.

'This move by Co-operative Funeralcare underlines the responsible attitude of a safety conscious organisation and is helping to promote to staff a maximum awareness of possible problems that can arise.'

Every new employee at Co-operative Funeralcare needing to drive as part of the job will have to complete the training, with 33 employees already having undergone a four-day course approved by IAM. The course includes risk analysis and hazard perception.