Meteorologists are saying the snow could arrive this month, heralding the start of another long, hard winter. Accident rates soar in the winter months, traditionally with the changing of the clocks. This year the first dark evenings could be accompanied by heavy snowfalls, a potentially lethal combination that drivers must be trained to deal with, according to road safety experts.

Companies are being urged to consider driver training as one of the most effective ways to combat the risks and reduce the number of accidents involving their drivers.

Marcus Noble, head of RAC Risk Management, said, ‘Every year we hear stories of drivers being caught out by bad weather conditions and accident figures go up during the winter months. But good preparation and increased awareness can reduce the likelihood of an accident considerably. Some lessons from last winter will be remembered, but the main one is that the drivers who received training were better-prepared. We know from our records that sensible driving among our customers reduced accidents and probably saved lives.’

RAC Risk Management offers three-hour in-house seminars for company car and grey fleet drivers, providing potentially life-saving advice and giving them valuable information on how to prepare for, and deal, with winter driving conditions.

The seminars are designed to be both enjoyable and educational and can be held anywhere in the UK. Up to 25 delegates can attend and the objectives are to provide individuals with an insight into the causes of road accidents and provide a forum for individuals to discuss their own experiences and attitudes to winter driving.

For more information about RAC Winter Driving Seminars for all your drivers – whether company vehicle, grey fleet or office staff trying to get in to work, visit: www.racfleetriskmanagement.com