Businesses have a major part to play in a campaign to reduce global road deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, according to the UK Government-backed Driving for Better Business programme.
It has issued the statement in line with the target launched today by the United Nations in its Decade of Action on Road Safety.
According to Driving for Better Business, firms can help by specifying vehicle safety levels for fleets used in carrying out procured services, requiring that drivers have undergone training, expecting suppliers to perform road safety performance self-monitoring and reporting, and setting standards for scheduling and planning procured driving operations and practices, to manage driver fatigue, driver distractions, use of low-risk roads, use of lower risk vehicles, and improved times for travel.
Driving for Better Business campaign manager Simon Turner said: “Businesses and industries of all sizes and sectors can, and do, contribute significantly, through rigorous management of fleets, positive influence on employees and procurement and contracting standards that clearly demonstrate a commitment to safer use of the roads.
“Global action on reducing road risk needs leaders who recognise that effective management of people is central to the success of any organisation – and can yield significant benefits in terms of business performance, cost efficiency and staff wellbeing. “When it comes to driving for work, it’s not just about management of drivers, but anyone whose role may impact upon the driver such as line managers, work schedulers, vehicle engineers and suppliers.”
