THE importance of assessment and training for people who drive as part of their job is stressed in new guidance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

With driving now recognised as the most dangerous work activity that most people do, RoSPA says that businesses and organisations need to have procedures in place to monitor drivers and ensure training is provided where necessary.

The Department for Transport supports the Society's latest document Driving for Work: Driver Assessment and Training.

Company car drivers are 49 per cent more likely to be involved in an accident than ordinary motorists.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: 'Studies have shown that drivers of company cars, vans, pick-up trucks and lorries all have a high blameworthiness ratio in their accidents and they have higher levels of risk-taking behaviour. Driver Assessment and Training gives advice on how employers and line managers can select, assess, train and supervise staff who drive for work in order to reduce the risk that they face and create for others.

The document is available free from the Road Safety Department, RoSPA, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST, or can be downloaded from RoSPA's website at www.rospa.com/roadsafety. Click on the Occupational Road Risk link on the left.

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