Business Trainers Staying Safe Behind the Wheel

Business people that deliver training spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel driving to different premises. Consequently, trainers that use company cars to travel can be more likely to be involved in some kind of accident than your average motorist.

Phones & Driving

It was recently revealed that 1 in 5 employers stated that their drivers had been involved in an accident after using a handheld phone at the wheel, with 15% of businesses admitting that employees were “often involved” in accidents whilst using a phone. 5% admitted that it happened “on a regular basis”. These are worrying statistics, but it is thought that the figures are so high because employees feel that they are expected to answer business calls even whilst on the road.

The Law

For a trainer that spends a large amount of time driving and may need to be reachable by phone, it is vital that steps are taken to reduce the chance of an accident. Holding a phone (or a sat-nav) whilst driving is illegal and even if you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. It can be 6 points and a £200 fine, whilst those that have only passed their driving test within the last two years will lose their license.

Hands-Free Devices

It is for this reason why it is highly worth trainers using some kind of hands-free device if they are required to be reachable whilst driving. By reducing the chance of an accident, it can save money and even save lives at the same time. In addition to encouraging employees to use hands-free devices in company cars, it is also important for businesses to protect the automobile in the form of an extended warranty.

Extended Warranties

Even luxury brands like BMW, who are often used for company cars, are susceptible to electrical and mechanical faults, but an extended warranty allows for peace of mind knowing that the cost of repairs will be covered if the original warranty has expired. This is particularly important if it is an older model as faults are more likely to occur in older cars (BMW, in particular, can be costly to repair).

Businesses that provide training must be extra vigilant with their employees and automobiles because they spend large stretches of the working day driving. The recent statistics for employees involved in accidents due to using their phone is alarmingly high, so steps should be taken by employers to reduce the risk for both the business and for road users.