A multi-faceted action plan to cut the number of road crashes involving employees has resulted in one company cutting its incident rate by 20%.

Kaba Door Systems operates a 175-strong fleet of which more than half are vans up to 3.5 tonnes and the remainder company cars.

The initiatives introduced across the company’s fleet included specifying that all new vehicles be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) as standard.

The measure was introduced more than 12 months ago and is expected to have significantly contributed to a further reduction in crashes.

The company also introduced an financial liability policy, which sees drivers pay 50% of the cost of any second at-fault crash, with a third incident resulting in the driver footing the entire bill.

Fleet manager Ann Dukanovic said: “This measure has been used to encourage drivers to take more care when driving.

"I have also anonymously visited our nationwide network of depots to inspect vehicle records and these two measures have greatly contributed to the overall reduction in accident rates.”

Other safety measures include enforcing monthly vehicle checks and driver logs so the company knows who was driving a vehicle when and where.

"Reversing sensors are also fitted as standard on all long-wheel base commercials

Mrs Dukanovic said: “We are delighted that the safety initiatives we have taken have resulted in a reduction in our accident record.

"However, we are always looking to further improve the safety of our staff and other road users.”

As a result of the company’s success, it has been named a business champion under the Government’s Driving for Better Business programme.