The United Nations has launched its Decade of Action on Road Safety 2021-2030, with the target of preventing at least 50% of the current level of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Businesses have a major part to play in achieving this target, says Simon Turner, Campaign Manager for Driving for Better Business:

“Businesses and industries of all sizes and sectors can, and do, contribute significantly, through rigorous management of fleets, positive influence on employees and procurement and contracting standards that clearly demonstrate a commitment to safer use of the roads."

Companies can set expectations of their suppliers by:

• Specifying vehicle safety levels (including for powered two-wheelers) for vehicle fleets that are used in carrying out procured services;
• Requiring that transport drivers, including those using powered two-wheelers and other motorised personal mobility devices, have undergone user training;
• Expecting suppliers to perform road safety performance self-monitoring and reporting; and
• Setting standards for scheduling and planning procured driving operations and practices to manage driver fatigue, driver distractions, use of low-risk roads, use of lower risk vehicles and improved times for travel.

Employers should ensure that:

• Drivers are competent.
• The required levels of skill are specified.
• Driving licences are checked for validity.
• Drivers are aware of the company policy.
• Drivers understand what is expected of them as regards road safety.
• Drivers are provided with instructions, guidance and training.
• Extra training on defensive driving or loading and unloading is provided if required.
• Times and routes of journeys take account of poor weather conditions.
• Vehicles are properly equipped to operate in poor weather conditions.
• Planned and preventative maintenance is carried out.

Says Turner:

“Global action on reducing road risk needs leaders who recognise that effective management of people is central to the success of any organisation – and can yield significant benefits in terms of business performance, cost efficiency and staff wellbeing. When it comes to driving for work, it’s not just about management of drivers, but anyone whose role may impact upon the driver such as line managers, work schedulers, vehicle engineers and suppliers.”

Driving for Better Business is a free to access government-backed National Highways programme, delivered in partnership with RoadSafe, to help employers in the private and public sectors reduce work-related road risk, protecting staff who drive or ride for work, and others who they may share the road with.​​​​