Thatcham employees on the road to safer driving with DriveTech

26 February 2008

Jim Kirkwood, MD of DriveTech (UK) plc with Peter Roberts CEO of Thatcham, the Motor Insurance repair Research Centre
click here to download full image

Safety is in the DNA of Thatcham, The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, which is why the driving skills and behind-the-wheel attitude of the organisation's 130 car-driving staff is now being assessed.

With occupational road risk management top of the agenda for fleet decision-makers, organisations across-the-board are being urged to put in place robust policies and procedures amid a growing legislation-backed crackdown on the number of at-work crashes being led by the police and Health and Safety Executive.

Now Thatcham employees - company car drivers, those who drive their own cars on business and pool car drivers - are all completing a comprehensive at-work driving safety programme developed by DriveTech (UK) plc, the Berkshire-based leading provider of driving at work risk management, driver assessment and driver training solutions.

As a business, Thatcham's main aim is to carry out research targeted at containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims, whilst maintaining safety standards. However, as a member of the European New Car Assessment Programme, crash testing the integrity of vehicles is a fundamental part of its work in its own crash testing laboratory. Additionally, among a raft of safety-focused initiatives, Thatcham undertakes seat testing and research into whiplash injury and has called for electronic stability control to be a standard feature on all new cars.

The DriveTech programme has involved a comprehensive assessment of Thatcham's existing risk management practices, with all at-work drivers then undergoing an online risk assessment. All employees designated 'high risk' following the assessment are now undergoing on-road driver training.

Meanwhile, all staff, including those rated as 'low risk' or 'medium risk' as a result of the assessment, have attended 'safe culture workshops' designed to encourage discussion and debate around safe driving practices.

Samantha Webb, HR manager at Thatcham, explained the rationale behind the centre's involvement:

"As a responsible employer in the automotive sector, and in line with our recently introduced corporate social responsibility policy, Thatcham's motivation in approaching DriveTech was primarily about doing as much as possible to safeguard our employees. "

As a unique research centre with uniquely talented employees we find our staff in great demand and, as the business mileage they are expected to cover increases, so the risk of collisions goes up. The safer driving programme with Drive Tech is about minimising that risk through a well received and enjoyable programme."

DriveTech's managing director Jim Kirkwood said: "Thatcham's work means that employees understand the life-changing significance that a road traffic incident can have on people, their family, friends and work colleagues.

"The organisation is also fully aware of the financial impact of crashes. However, as a safety-driven business and one that cares for the well-being of its staff, Thatcham wants to ensure that it has all aspects of road safety covered. That includes ensuring employees take best practice driving procedures on to the roads. It is a philosophy that all other companies would do well to follow."

Editor's Notes

DriveTech (UK) plc is one of the UK’s leading providers of road risk management, driver assessment and education. We work both with organisations whose employees ‘drive for work’ and with members of the public, who are offered education as an alternative to prosecution by the police.

DriveTech’s vision is ‘working together to eliminate road death and serious injuries’ by providing the most effective and innovative solutions, using education and technology, to minimise risk for all road users.

DriveTech (UK) has won the Institute of Transport Management’s (ITM) ‘Fleet Award for Driver Training’ in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the ‘European Driver Safety Specialist’ award in 2005. In September 2007, it was named the ITM’s ‘UK Driver Training Solutions Specialist’ for making ‘the most significant impact upon the Driver Training and Safety sector over the past decade’

In 2007, DriveTech (UK) won the South England and South Wales regional award of the Bank of Scotland Corporate ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ of up to £5m, interest-free funding and was runner-up in the national Grand Finale. In addition, the company was named runner-up in the 2007 Thames Valley ‘Business of the Year’ award.

For further information, members of the media should contact Steve Johnson on direct line +44 (0)1789 414700, mobile +44 (0) 7894 621134 or on steve.johnson@drivetech.co.uk