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Save money and improve profits with fleet driver training
Save money and improve profits with fleet driver training
Despite the economic downturn, fleet vehicles on the road were down by 3% last year. The management of budgets and several driver-focused initiatives would continue to be a priority.
Stourbridge,
West Midlands,
United Kingdom
(sardnews.org)
15/07/2013
Despite the economic downturn, fleet vehicles on the road were down by 3% last year. The management of budgets and several driver-focused initiatives would continue to be a priority.
Paul Beresford runs Defensive Driver Training. DDT offers defensive and advanced driver training to help keep the roads, and its drivers safe and secure. DDT helps to train company, fleet and personal drivers keeping insurance and repair costs down. He says:
I am not surprised that driver training wasn't seen as a pre requisite for every fleet manager. This is a case of cost control and driver management, but many managers don't think about the implications of fleet "training".
"I think there is now sufficient evidence around to prove that any investment in driver training pays back handsomely. Not only do claims rates fall significantly, which in turn leads to lower insurance premiums, but fuel economy improves as does vehicle wear and tear costs.
"One thing the economic downturn has affected is the Duty of Care issue that drove the increase in driver training courses between 2000 and 2008. Cost is now by far the overriding consideration as it was in the 1990's before the Health and Safety legislation made senior managers focus on their Management of Road Risk policy rather than the size of their insurance premiums.
"In the last couple of weeks we have noticed an increase in bookings from our long-standing clients, many of whom have done little or no training since 2009, as they see evidence of increasing claims rates and insurance premiums as training budgets were cut. They have enough past experience of driver training to know that if they invest in training they can nip the problem in the bud.
"All the indications are that the economy is improving and companies are beginning to invest again and company fleets are growing again."
If I could make one recommendation to companies in this situation, it is to please carry out a basic risk assessment on any new drivers that you recruit. Don't simply hand over the car keys to someone who is effectively a stranger. One of our trainers can carry out up to six one-hour in vehicle assessments in one day for just £330 plus VAT.
Or we can do a quick assessment plus some basic training for four drivers for the same price. £55 to check out that someone to whom you are giving the keys of a car worth £25000 is capable of driving it, has to make sense.
I suspect that as company's finances improve over the next few years, the move to more preventative rather than reactive training will grow. After all, the Duty of Care and Corporate Manslaughter act was not suspended during the recession.
Notes to Editors
Defensive Driver Training Limited has over 23 years' experience providing cost effective Defensive and Advanced Driving Courses in all types of vehicles. Click here to find out more about us.
Assisting major blue chip companies, NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and other public sector organisations to implement long term, low cost strategies have a proven track record of improving fuel efficiency, reducing claims rates, repair costs and insurance premiums. With a flexible approach and innovative courses which minimize disruption to clients' business, their pool of trainers are exceptional at devising bespoke training programmes that address clients' specific needs. Click here to find out more about what Defensive Driver Training courses entail.
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About Defensive Driver Training Limited
Defensive Driver Training Limited has over 23 years’ experience providing cost effective Defensive and Advanced Driving Courses in all types of vehicles.
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