DOMESTIC appliance manufacturer Miele has saved £20,000 on its insurance premiums after introducing a driver training programme that cut its accident rate by 20%.

The company has started its third year of driver training for its 150 company car and van drivers and says the scheme has now become self-funding.

A study of accident records across its fleet showed that company car drivers were involved in an incident every 50,000 miles, while van drivers were involved in an incident every 35,000 miles on average. Drivers typically cover more than 22,000 miles a year.

The company initially put all of its 150 company drivers through a programme that focused on rear-end damage incidents, which were among the most common crashes.

They also underwent ABS familiarisation and vehicle manoeuvring in a bid to end the problem of van drivers hitting objects while parking or reversing.

The initial one-year programme was followed last year with about 40 employees and this year about 50 more will complete the training given by DriveTech (UK).

The company said recognition of its training has brought about a £20,000 premium reduction from its insurers. Miele administration and facilities director Tony Stephens said: ‘We have traditionally had a strong health and safety culture within the business because of the work we undertake. In addition, we have a very strong training ethos within the company.

‘With the increasing national focus on occupational road risk it seemed natural to introduce a driver training programme for all company vehicle drivers from the chief executive downwards.’

DriveTech managing director Jim Kirkwood said: ‘As a consequence of the training completed so far and the company’s ongoing commitment I would expect to see further reductions in the number of accidents and with it significant benefits for Miele as a proactive company in the area of occupational road risk management.’