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If those taking part in the experiment are indicative of all UK drivers, then the only conclusion can be that most of us aren't safe behind the wheel...
This was the question I asked myself when I saw the news this week that 75% of drivers failed their test in an investigation into driver capabilities.
While most readers will probably agree that they see regular incidents of poor driving, that such a high percentage of drivers actually failed a retest is quite frankly frightening!
If those taking part in the experiment are indicative of all UK drivers, then the only conclusion can be that most of us aren't safe behind the wheel.
Some of you may have read my blogs on the importance of health and safety and duty of care for business drivers - if ever there was a statistic that underlined the importance of these issues, then surely this is it. Having to follow a safe driving code might seem over-the-top when most of us simply want to get on with our jobs and use our company vehicles as we see fit, but health and safety should now be just as important a part of running a fleet as the vehicle themselves.
Let's use eye tests as an example. One driver in the investigation failed their retest at the first hurdle by not even being able to read a number plate!
Yes, it's only one, but multiply this across the whole of the UK and we're facing a worrying number of drivers who can't even see properly! Our own research of business drivers found that almost 30% had not had their eyes tested within the past two years despite this being the mandatory guide under current legislation.
Such findings are given greater significance when considered against the new Corporate Manslaughter Act.
From April next year the new Act will make it easier for companies to be prosecuted for gross breaches of their duty of care in respect of employees and other road users killed in road crashes. The penalty for a successful prosecution is an unlimited fine.
It sends out a very powerful deterrent message to those organisations which do not take their health and safety responsibilities seriously.
The required reaction to me seems clear. Businesses and drivers are going to have to take driver capabilities and health and safety seriously particularly as we now all drive on congested roads and often in stressful situations.
Every year 3200 people die on our roads and 28,000 are seriously injured - this statistic alone should be reason enough to get businesses drivers driving more responsibly.
Until next time,
Mike
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