The way that employees drive while on business can have a big impact on company costs, reputation and their own health and wellbeing. However, the latest Corporate Vehicle Observatory (CVO) Barometer from Arval suggests that many businesses are failing to take action.
The annual research which interviewed more than 4,800 fleet decision makers shows that 31 percent of UK businesses with 100 or more employees are doing nothing to address driver behaviour, nor are 62 percent of companies with less than 100 employees. Mike Waters, Senior Insight & Consultancy Manager at Arval explains why this is an issue: “There’s no doubt the way that drivers operate a vehicle has a huge impact on fuel usage, CO2 emissions, employee safety and the cost of operation. Businesses really should put as much thought into educating and managing their drivers as they do into vehicle selection. Unfortunately the research suggests that many don’t.”
Does your business take action to minimize the consequences of driver behaviour? From a cost perspective, the driver can impact company vehicle costs in a number of ways: They are likely to accelerate the wear and tear process leading to an increase in scheduled and unscheduled vehicle maintenance. They are more likely to be driving aggressively and at higher speeds increasing the chances that they will be involved in accidents. The vehicle is likely to be kept in a poor condition leading to increased end of contract charges.
Costs aside, an increase in accidents will clearly put driver health at risk and increase the chances that they have to take time off work. While for businesses using branded vehicles, poor driving is likely to generate a negative perception and damage company reputation. Tracey Scarr, CSR Manager at Arval says: “Inefficient drivers tend to drive at higher speeds, they tend to accelerate and brake aggressively and they often take risks on the roads. It is only through ongoing education and training that you can influence behaviour but an effective programme can result in significant and sustainable cost savings and improved employee wellbeing.”
