Almost a third of business drivers are not checking their mirrors or blind spots, potentially endangering themselves, other drivers and more vulnerable road users like cyclists, according to a survey published by IAM RoadSmart.
Data taken from more than 4,500 participants in the charity’s ‘Driving for Work’ training course revealed a series of potentially dangerous habits that are impacting both safety and fuel economy.
Some of the most concerning findings affecting safety included:
- Tailgating: 23% of business drivers do not maintain a safe following distance to the vehicle ahead of them.
- Poor perception: 28% were failing to check their mirrors or blind spots; 22% were failing to observe the road ahead for potential hazards.
Meanwhile, there were several behaviours observed that have the potential to impact fuel economy for fleets. This included the fact 34% were classed as poor for being able to manage speed and space around their vehicle.
Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “These findings will make disappointing reading for many fleet managers who are on the frontline for ensuring safety and reducing their organisation’s cost and carbon footprint.
“What these results show is that bad habits creep in over time, even with good drivers. The implications for fleets are significant, not only in terms of damage to vehicles, but for the safety of drivers and other road users and as a consequence, reputation.
“In far too many cases, drivers are failing to carry out even basic actions, like checking their mirrors or maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles in front.”
As a driving assessor, I find the figure of 34% to be way too low: more like 75%. Some are ok with mirrors, but the majority in my experience do not use them consistently, especially the near side. One van I was in recently had a filthy passenger seat, and the driver explained that his two large alsatians like to stand on it to get their heads out of the window: so no chance of the near side mirror even being seen!
Shoulder checks are even worse: I find that virtually no-one does them, except perhaps when about to pull out at an angle where the offside mirror does not suffice.
Philip Hastings, Shaftesbury
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