Almost one in ten company drivers in the UK has such poor hazard perception, attitude, knowledge and observational skills that they pose a serious danger to both themselves and other road users, according to online risk assessment and e-driver training specialists E-Training World.

Analysis from the last ten years found a steady trend revealing that on average nine per cent of company car, van and HGV drivers are high risk, 68 per cent are medium risk and only 23 per cent low risk.

The data comes from E-Training World’s extensive assessment and training programme which has been used by major fleet operators in the UK, as well as many smaller companies with at-work drivers.

Managing director of E-Training World, Graham Hurdle, said: "While some individual companies show variations to these figures, this trend is based upon average statistics across all drivers.

"The aim of any risk assessment is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a driver and establish what risk they pose when behind the wheel.

"Each section of the assessment carries equal weight and we do not penalise drivers if they are young, drive high mileages or have points on their licence. The risk rating is calculated on their ability and has proven to be extremely accurate and, using the results, companies can not only enjoy peace of mind that they have adhered to their duty of care requirements, they can also make intelligent decisions regarding whether a driver needs training and what form that training should take."