Fleet Alarm Call for Tired Drivers

Companies are endangering the lives of their employees and the public by neglecting the lethal problem of tiredness while driving for work, according to road safety campaign group Brake.

The safety charity has made the claim following a survey, backed by Green Flag, which found that only 22% of 305 company car drivers interviewed at service areas had received advice from their employers about how to combat fatigue.

And of those drivers educated by their companies about anti-tiredness measures, only 37% could identify the correct steps to keeping alert.

For drivers whose companies had done nothing to tackle the issue, nearly the same proportion (33%) gave the right answers, suggesting drivers were either paying no attention to advice given, or firms were supplying the wrong information.

Brake is keen to push employers hard about the dangers of tiredness while driving. It wants to see the DfT and HSE invest in year-round campaigns and 'urgent action' to educate employers about their duty of care.

Cathy Keeler, policy manager for Brake, said: "It is no good just handing out a leaflet which then gets put in the bin. Fleet managers have to check up on drivers and ensure they are taking breaks when they should. Drivers should not be put under such pressure that they do not feel they can stop and have a rest if they are feeling tired."
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.