Under pressure: Business drivers at risk of road traffic accidents to achieve targets
Published: 12/04/2012
One in four business drivers are driving dangerously, or in some cases illegally, due to adverse pressure to meet ambitious sales or delivery targets or get to appointments on time, according to research by RSA.
The study, commissioned by the UK’s largest commercial insurer, revealed around 20 per cent of business drivers exceeded the speed limit whilst one in 10 drive through red lights, overtake in the inside lane on a motorway or drive when tired.
The research also saw one in seven admitting to answering work calls without a hands-free kit and more than a third eating or drinking whilst driving.
Jon Hancock is the Managing Director of RSA:
“This research demonstrates the frightening disregard for road safety that exists within some businesses and employees as pressure to perform becomes more pronounced post-recession.
“Employers have a duty of care to ensure the legality of their vehicles as well as the safety of their drivers and, by extension, other road users, yet these findings suggest that due diligence is not being adhered to in all parts of the country or by all types of business drivers.
“Closer attention to road, vehicle and driver safety will not only reduce potentially fatal accidents, but also save businesses money on repairs and increased insurance premiums.”¹
Content correct at time of publication