Tracking systems offer an important and underused lifeline to improving driver safety, says vehicle tracking provider RAM Tracking.

Chris McClellan, CEO of RAM Tracking, said: “ Driver safety should be the top priority for fleet managers and training is one of the most important elements in ensuring this.

"Many providers will design bespoke fleet-wide training courses focussing on specific problem areas found as a result of using vehicle tracking, with a wide variety of training available to suit specific company needs.

"This training can be implemented in-house, online or at external training centres, meaning less impact on the working day and ensuring drivers are up to speed on company motoring policies and understand the consequences of speeding or mobile phone use when driving.”

Improving driver behaviour not only reduces the risk of accidents on the roads, it can also significantly reduce fuel costs.

Among RAM customers who have used tracking to identify and tackle poor driver behaviour, is Lloyd Begley, director at Cargo Motor Factors Ltd, who has already saved £300 per month on fuel costs. Preventing long periods of idling has reduced fuel consumption by 15%.

McClellan added: “The responsibility of implementing driver training is in the hands of fleet managers and tracking identifies problems that need to be fixed. Everyone can get into bad habits, but it is important that company drivers don’t become another casualty statistic.”