New Campaign Highlights Risks To Business Drivers

Road Safety GB North East Region has launched a new campaign warning businesses that they could be prosecuted if they neglect their employer responsibilities.

North East motorists using their vehicles for business are more likely to be in a crash than drink drivers, a new study has found.

Alan Kennedy, road safety manager at Durham County Council, said: “About 21% of the region’s traffic collisions involve people who are driving for work, which is significant. To put this into perspective, over the same period, about 5% of collisions involved a drink driver, yet driving over the limit seems to get much more attention.

“We are appealing to both drivers and employers. Motorists need to watch their speed and give themselves ample time to reach their destination. It is also vital that they drive according to the weather conditions and avoid distractions, such as mobile phones and eating and drinking while on the move.

“However, it’s important that businesses play their part too. They must remember that they are liable under the Corporate Manslaughter Act if their policies are not up to standard. They have a duty of care to their staff to make sure they have enough time to reasonably get to appointments, have sufficient stop breaks and are not discussing business on the phone while driving, and are not suffering stress".

Read more: Road Safety GB