As fleet managers, we must deal with all sorts of problems. From suppliers, breakdowns, fixing vehicles, and much, much more. However, I saw a new problem develop, and it wasn’t anything to do with vehicles – well, not directly anyway. I suddenly added ‘HR manager’ to my ‘fleet manager’ title.
One of our drivers called me, he said they were having problems and could I help. I listened intently while I was also booking a car in for a service – call it multi-tasking. The driver in question said they felt they couldn’t do the job any longer, as driving was becoming a real issue for two reasons. The first they gave, (and I had to agree with them!) was the state of other totally inconsiderate drivers, who are not only breaking the law regularly, but putting other road users at risk. Our driver said: “It’s just getting too dangerous out there to be able to do the job efficiently and effectively.” They went on to say, that when they arrive at a customer, they are a bag of nerves! The second issue was driving at night, not only having to put up with dangerous drivers, but the glare from oncoming traffic. Modern headlights are brilliant (literally brilliant), and drivers can see much further, and much clearer. But this advancement in headlight technology doesn’t help drivers going the other way, or in the rear-view mirror, who are dazzled by them! I told our driver to see if he could see an optician and try to get some night driving ‘tinted’ glasses.
Both these issues seem to be a worry for more and more drivers, both young and old, you can’t put an age thing on it. I tried to reassure our driver, who incidentally is one of the best in our sales team, to try and concentrate on their own driving, but at the same time, to be aware that there are many idiots out there on our roads. Hopefully they will not leave the company, and this nervousness is just a passing phase, I do hope so.
Okay, okay, admission time! After telling our drivers to stay within all speed limits, and not to get caught for any road traffic misdemeanours. I recently got caught doing 34mph in a 30mph zone, by a police van parked on a fuel station forecourt – hiding in plain sight. In my defence, I was in a line of traffic, all going the same speed, and I usually drive a car with a digital, easy to see speedo. However, at the time, I was in an older car with a small round speedometer that was difficult to see. Okay hardly a defence for going 4mph over the limit. Anyway, I received the notice of intended prosecution in the post a few days later. I had the option of doing a speed awareness course, so I paid the £80 and opted for a three-hour classroom experience. Anyway, I turned up on the day and was surprised to see about 25 other fellow lawbreakers, and more surprised to see such a wide variety of ages.
The first question the ‘teacher’ asked was who had read the Highway Code recently? Not a hand went up, not one. Then we were shown photos of roads and asked what the speed limits are on each road. About 25% got them right. The course went on, and it became more and more interesting and informative, and even, if I dare say, quite entertaining! The two people running the course were very knowledgeable and good fun too. I learnt a lot, and found what I’ve learnt very valuable, in fact its given me a different outlook on road speed. I’m certainly more aware of what speed I should be doing!
When I get letters from the authorities asking who was driving a company car, at a certain time, for a speed violation, if they are offered a ‘course,’ I think they should gladly accept, and hopefully learn as much as I did. There, confession over. When did you last look at the Highway Code?
Supported by:
