DriveTech comments on recent Corporate Manslaughter Act announcement

7 August 2007

Jim Kirkwood, managing director of DriveTech (UK), said: "We are delighted that the uncertainty surrounding the corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide legislation is now over and that businesses can now plan with more certainty in the knowledge that the Act will be implemented from April next year."

"While a growing number of companies have programmes in place to minimise corporate risk, we still believe that many companies continue to take a 'laissez faire' attitude towards duty of care for staff who drive for work." 

"As this new legislation will not be introduced until 2008, there is now a significant window of opportunity that gives businesses the chance to act in good time and play their part in reducing death and serious injuries involving people driving on business."

"Following a fatal crash, police officers will be investigating companies' at-work driving risk management processes. Fleets that turn a blind eye to such basic administration are likely to face the severest of consequences with fines potentially running into millions of pounds and a heap of publicity that will be both highly embarrassing and costly - in terms of punishment and business lost."

"By putting in place at-work driving best practice processes companies are not only safeguarding themselves against possible prosecution but they are introducing a 'feel good' and caring environment in which their staff can work."

DriveTech's top 10 tips for companies to avoid a corporate manslaughter/homicide prosecution

o       Assess the driving capabilities of all new drivers

o       Routinely screen driving licences of all drivers - not just company car drivers

o       Implement vehicle spot checks - analysing general condition, roadworthiness and service history

o       Monitor all drivers working hours including travelling time

o       Record, classify, group and statistically analyse all crashes

o       Undertake a full risk assessment to identify problems

o       Act on the information gleaned and prioritise solutions

o       Design a management plan to implement the solutions and communicate it to all staff

o       Introduce a driving safety culture that does not lightly accept crashes

o       Provide targeted education and training for drivers

EDITOR'S NOTES

DriveTech is the UK's leading provider of  'driving at work' risk management, driver assessment and driver training solutions.

DriveTech's goal is to reduce both an organisation's vehicle business costs and the personal risk for 'at work' drivers, by significantly improving driver ABC - attitude, behaviour and competence - therefore supporting driver safety and corporate 'duty of care' requirements.

DriveTech (UK) has won the Institute of Transport Management's 'Fleet Award for Driver Training' in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and its 'European Driver Safety Specialist' award in 2005.

For further information contact:

David Richards at DriveTech (UK) at david.richards@drivetech.co.uk or 01344 467271.