Michelin has cut its road crash rate by more than 50% in the last five years and has adopted a target of zero incidents after reporting a reduction in accident damage costs of 46% and significant savings in indirect costs including vehicle hire and driver time.

Its success has been recognised by the government-backed Driving for Better Business campaign with it being named as the 50th business champion.

The government-backed campaign, delivered by RoadSafe, is working with the police and other agencies to encourage companies and organisations nationwide to implement best practice occupational road risk management programmes.

An estimated 200 road deaths and serious injuries a week result from crashes involving at-work drivers with more employees killed and seriously injured on Britain’s roads while driving on behalf of their employer than in any other work-related activity.

“All of our business champions have one thing in common,” said campaign director Caroline Scurr. “They have recognised that managing occupational road risk is not only a legislative requirement, but it can bring significant benefits to many areas of their business.

“Each of our business champions can prove that taking the actions they have done to reduce employee at-work driving risk exposure results in a reduced number of road traffic crashes which saves thousands and, in the case of large fleets, millions of pounds. Additionally, business productivity and image is improved along with staff well-being. The result is a measurable contribution to business efficiency and savings that go straight to the bottom line.”

Malcolm Scovell, commercial director, Michelin Tyre, said: “Michelin has worked extremely hard to reduce its occupational road risk exposure. But we are not complacent which is why we are striving for a zero incident rate.

“It is extremely gratifying to have that strong focus on at-work driving safety recognised by the Driving for Better Business campaign in becoming its 50th business champion because we take this aspect of our responsibilities to employees and others affected by our actions very seriously.”

All cars must have at least a four-star European New Car Assessment Programme crash test rating with many having the top five stars. Models must also be equipped with steering wheel height and reach adjustment and a driver’s seat with a lumbar support and height adjustment. The fitment of winter tyres to improve grip and road safety in harsh weather conditions is also encouraged. All vans are fitted with full height solid bulkheads to stop tyres, wheels, tools and equipment carried from ‘invading’ the cab.