A global road safety management system was seen as the answer when TNT Express wanted to tackle fatalities associated with its worldwide fleet.

In 2005, it had suffered 19 deaths in incidents associated with its vehicles and when acquisitions in India, China and Brazil followed in 2007, it resulted in a further 27 fatalities.

“In 2008, we revised our road safety management system,” said Kevin Cook, HSE manager at TNT Express.

“It revealed previous reductions were in relation to accidents involving our own drivers not those involving contractors.”

While contractors were responsible for 50% of the company’s business, they were involved in 70% of accidents.

The need to involve and incentivise both groups was clear and TNT Express recognised it could directly influence driver, vehicle and journey management.

The three elements were central to its road safety management system, while drivers were also trained for different weather conditions and the company continued to work with partners to influence road infrastructure in its operating countries.

“All countries were required to develop action plans after we issued a divisional action plan,” said Mr Cook.

“Supporting material and posters were produced and a new intranet page was launched focusing on road safety, along with hands on support for India, China and Brazil.”

As a result the company has reduced the number of fatalities and continues to focus on raising driver awareness.