Driving for Better Business, a National Highways programme designed to improve safety and reduce risk for those driving for work, is launching a new series of free monthly resources aimed at fleet managers. These resources, which will be available as part of the Fleet Safety Focus initiative, are designed to enhance road safety and ensure vehicles remain in optimal condition.
The first topic in the series is Vehicle Roadworthiness, which serves as a critical starting point for businesses seeking to uphold safety standards. Mark Cartwright, Head of Commercial Vehicle Incident Prevention at National Highways, highlights the severity of the issue: “Up to a third of all vans fail an MOT on their first inspection, primarily due to issues with lights, tyres, suspension, or brakes. These are not minor details—they are crucial to vehicle safety. If these components aren’t checked before an MOT, it raises serious concerns about their maintenance in everyday use.”
Cartwright emphasises the responsibility fleet managers have in ensuring their drivers are operating safe, roadworthy vehicles. By enforcing consistent vehicle checks and implementing a structured policy, businesses can significantly reduce the risks associated with unsafe vehicles.
Comprehensive Support for Fleet Managers
The Vehicle Roadworthiness guide offers practical advice on creating a robust vehicle maintenance policy. It also provides step-by-step instructions for fleet managers to ensure that drivers are conducting pre-use checks effectively, reporting issues promptly, and staying compliant with legal requirements.
To facilitate engagement, the monthly Fleet Focus resources include posters for noticeboards and reminders that can be sent via in-cab messaging systems. The aim is to create a culture of safety that becomes ingrained in daily operations.
A Holistic Approach to Driver Safety
In addition to vehicle roadworthiness, Fleet Focus will cover a wide range of essential topics throughout the year, including:
- Preparing for severe weather conditions, particularly in winter
- The dangers of drug and drink driving
- The impact of driver fatigue and distraction
- Safe loading practices
- Mental health and driver wellbeing
Each monthly guide is stored in a resource library, ensuring fleet managers can easily access and share materials with their drivers as needed. The comprehensive nature of these guides makes them a valuable tool for improving driver safety and operational efficiency across fleets of all sizes.
Cartwright underscores the initiative’s value: “Everything we offer is free of charge and can be downloaded and used as many times as necessary. These resources will deliver significant benefits, both for companies and their employees.”
A Commitment to Safer Roads
Driving for Better Business has long been committed to improving safety for those who drive for work. By promoting good management practices and offering accessible resources, the programme seeks to protect not only employees but also the general public who share the roads with work vehicles.
As one of the highest-risk activities undertaken by employees, driving for work demands rigorous safety measures. Fleet managers who prioritise vehicle roadworthiness and driver welfare stand to reduce accidents, lower operational costs, and contribute to a safer driving environment for all.
For more information on the Fleet Safety Focus initiative and to access the monthly resources, visit Driving for Better Business.
About Driving for Better Business
Driving for Better Business is a National Highways business engagement programme aimed at reducing work-related road risk. In partnership with RoadSafe, the initiative helps employers manage the risks associated with driving for work, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability on the road.
