The head of risk management company Cardinus has spoken out about the high number of deaths and injuries on Sussex roads.

Sussex roads saw 476 deaths or major injuries last year and Andy Hawkes, chief executive of Cardinus Risk Management, believes a significant number of incidents will have involved people driving for work and that some of them could have been prevented.

Hawkes said: “At a time when the government is grabbing headlines for dumbing down health and safety regulations for so-called low hazard occupations and businesses, it is a stark reminder that driving kills and injures too many people. Companies need to realise that they still have a duty towards their employees’ safety.

“The company may be a 'low hazard' business but sending an inexperienced employee out in a vehicle is a hazardous activity and it is this activity that needs to be risk assessed.”

Developing a driving risk programme doesn't need huge investment, according to Hawkes. And the resulting reduction in accident levels should reduce insurance premiums.

He said that Cardinus sees its clients reduce fuel costs and wear and tear on vehicles.

“For most companies there is a significant return on their investment,” he said.