In the wake of yet another spell of scorching weather, Drivetech has issued new summer driving guidelines for employers and HR managers to boost road safety levels among staff.

Drivetech launches new summer driving guidance for employers and HR managers

In the wake of yet another spell of scorching weather, driver training specialist Drivetech, has issued new summer driving guidelines for employers and HR managers to boost road safety levels among staff.

Summer driving places extra demands on both drivers and vehicles, which poses risk to businesses, drivers and other road users. The warmer weather can make drivers more vulnerable to distraction, dehydration and heat exhaustion unless due care is taken.

Employers and managers have a duty of care to all employees driving for work purposes – even those driving their own vehicles. There are approximately 14 million grey fleet vehicles on the UK’s roads owned by employees which are used for business driving. Employers are also responsible for ensuring these vehicles are adequately maintained and safe and may be liable for prosecution in the event of an accident under the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007.

“We are experiencing record-breaking summer temperatures which are making driving a challenge for tired, heat-weary employees,” said Colin Paterson, head of marketing at Drivetech. “The roads are also likely to be busier than usual thanks to the rail strikes planned on 13, 18 and 20 August, resulting in more business travel than is usual for this time of year. We urge employers and HR managers to prioritise driving safety during this busy period to ensure all drivers stay safe, hydrated and healthy on UK roads by sharing this best practice advice. It could be potentially life saving.”

Drivetech’s top summer driving tips include:

• Tiredness causes collisions. Employees should organise their schedules during particularly hot periods to avoid fatigue
• Carry a litre of water per passenger as a minimum
• Beat glare distractions by keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car at all times. Dazzle from the sun causes many accidents on our roads
• Further reduce the dazzle by keeping your windscreen clean. Damaged and worn windscreen wipers should be replaced throughout the year to ensure full visibility of the road
• Driving breaks must be taken before fatigue has a chance to set in. Our minimum recommendation is a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving
• Drive to suit the road conditions and always within the speed limit. To judge a safe driving speed, consider the weather and the current road conditions, but also the potential impact of a collision.