The results revealed by a study conducted by Insurer Aviva on some 1400 fleet managers in the UK are both heartening and upsetting at the same time. The study spanned data collected from fleet managers for a period of three years.

The conclusion drawn by the insurer is that while positive changes are evident, there is scope for improvement in safety measures and risk management in operations. Aviva sources hope that the positive changes will soon emerge as indispensable components of every fleet’s operational system while constant improvements continue to take place in areas of concern. However, the study concluded that the duty of care norms are still not fully met.

The conclusion was evidenced by the fact that nearly half the number of fleet managers fail to exercise due diligence in cross checking the safety record of prospective drivers. Considering the abundance of drivers in the market in this age of competition, Aviva finds this trend deplorable. Another alarming trend shows that some fleets overlook basic fitness checks, like eyesight testing. Considering the safety risks posed to drivers themselves as well as pedestrians, eyesight assessment should become an essential part of every fleet’s periodic fitness check programme.

Steve Shirley of Aviva feels that positive trends can be noticed in certain areas. An increase in the number of fleets introducing driver’s handbooks points toward some form of regularisation within the industry. Increase in the number of fleets implementing driver fatigue policy also earns his approval, as he remarks that managers do need to ensure that drivers are not overloaded and stressed out. He calls for implementing limits on the number of hours and miles for continuous driving, especially for cars, which will help prevent untoward incidents that happen due to human error.

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