Driving for Work – Safer Speeds

Driving is the most dangerous work activity that most people do. It is estimated that around 150 people are killed or seriously injured every week in crashes involving someone who was driving, riding or otherwise using the road for work purposes. The majority of these tragedies can be prevented.

Drivers who ‘speed’, crash more often than those who don’t. They are also more likely to commit other driving violations, such as red-light running and driving too close.

Company car and van drivers often exceed speed limits in order to get to appointments on time, are less likely to view speeding as risky and more likely to think that being on time is more important. Company car drivers, and people who drive high annual mileages for work, are up to 50% more likely to crash than private motorists.

This guide gives simple advice on how employers and line managers can help to ensure that their staff are not tempted or pressurised into driving at inappropriate speed.

A sample ‘Safer Speed Policy’ is included. It can be adopted as written or adapted to suit an organisation’s needs, as a stand-alone policy or as part of a wider ‘Safer Driving for Work’ policy.