It found that 5% of employees using their own cars for business use are not insured and a further 2% do not know whether they have the correct insurance cover.
Also, 27% of staff driving on company business admit they have never read their employer’s handbook while 17% say they are not aware whether or not their company had a handbook.
The survey was carried out by risk management and driver training company Pro-Drive on 566 drivers over a three-month period.
Managing director Graham Hurdle said: ‘From the work we do to help fleets safeguard themselves against prosecution and improve the safety of their employees, we were aware that there were weaknesses with regards to private cars being driven on company business, drivers not studying their companies’ handbooks and individuals being a bit sloppy with regards to regular vehicle checks.’
Hurdle said many of the survey’s findings should prompt companies to be more vigilant with their drivers.
He added: ‘Perhaps the most worrying figure of all is the percentage of drivers either uninsured or unaware as to whether they have the necessary insurance when using their own cars for business.
‘It is the company’s responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace – and the definition of workplace extends to vehicles being used on company business.
‘Claiming not to understand the law, or being confused by ones’ legal responsibilities, will not be enough to avoid prosecution.
‘Our survey should be a warning shot across the bows to any company directors who are not confident that they have taken the necessary steps to fulfil their corporate duty of care responsibilities.’
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