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Over the last few months I have explained how the new Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act, which will come into force in just two months on 6th April, could affect you*. For the most part I have been focussing on the legal consequences of ignoring the new and existing legislation. But by investing in a safety culture you will appreciate real financial benefits.
Careful driving produces lower maintenance bills, as wearing parts last longer and tyre life increases. Wear and tear on clutches, suspension, steering and gearboxes is reduced and engine life increased. Vehicles become more reliable, with less downtime and greater availability, leading to improved performance from the fleet. Needless to say, careful driving also reduces fuel consumption and fuel costs. This on its own is a ‘big win’.
However, perhaps the most welcome benefit is the impact on insurance costs. A lower incident rate means fewer, and often smaller, claims resulting in dramatic cuts in your premium.
Serious road crashes resulting in fatalities are always investigated by the police, who will refer to their Road Death Investigation Manual for guidance. From 6th April, a corporate manslaughter prosecution can be brought more easily against the company itself, as well as against individual personnel. In this event the company’s reputation could suffer and public goodwill could be damaged – both take years to earn and yet can be gone in a moment.
In summary you need to engage your drivers, educate them about safe driving, encourage them by communicating the results, but most importantly enjoy the benefits of a low-cost safe driving culture.
If you are the person responsible for managing work-related road safety, if you want to make a difference and at the same time introduce vehicle operating efficiencies, then check out RiskMaster. To find out more please contact marcus@fsguk.com.
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