IAM RoadSmart has published a fleet safety guide to help businesses get their employees back on the roads, following the easing of Coronavirus lockdown restrictions, as safely as possible.

It features advice from experts at IAM RoadSmart and outlines best practice for getting companies, drivers, fleet managers and vehicles back on track as the country’s economy begins its recovery from the pandemic.

The guide touches on numerous areas of concern as some drivers prepare to get back behind the wheel for the first time in nearly four months, including: the end of the furlough period; the importance of training; mental health; stressful journeys, fatigue and driver confidence.

Tony Greenidge, IAM RoadSmart’s interim CEO, said: “Following government advice to use public transport for essential journeys only, unimagined new pressures are being experienced by those commuting by car after switching from public transport as they fear for their safety amid the COVID-19 outbreak.”

To further support businesses in managing risk as drivers return to the roads, IAM RoadSmart has also been developing new e-learning modules for deployment via CHOICES – an online driver risk management and e-learning portal for business users.

Launched in April, CHOICES covers everything from licence checking to driver risk profiling and e-learning.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s director of Policy and Research, added: “If you’re worried about your drivers at the moment we certainly can help with refresher-type courses, giving invaluable feedback enabling you to interact with your workforce and have a conversation. Online is now well established and people are looking at this again. It’s a good way to keep fresh.”

The guide, 'COVID-19 2020: Driving business back to work – safely and profitably’, is now live and can be download here: https://www.iamcommercial.co.uk/whitepapers/