That’s the finding of new research released by Brake and partners RSA and Specsavers as the road safety charity launches a campaign calling on all road users to look out for each other – including fleets.

Brake added that employers have a vital role to play in promoting the look out for each other message; at least a quarter (24%) of road deaths and serious injuries involve someone driving for work, yet a recent Brake survey found many companies don’t have good practice procedures to protect people on foot and bike.

Almost 1,000 UK companies have registered to take part in Road Safety Week, running awareness-raising activities engaging company drivers, employee families, schools and communities.

Employers not already involved can support the look out for each other campaign by:

• going to www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk to find out how they can support Brake and promote the ‘look out for each other’ message through their communications, using free downloadable resources;
• showing their support on social media using hashtags, #RoadSafetyWeek and #LookOutForEachOther (@Brakecharity, www.facebook.com/brakecharity);
• delivering the Brake Pledge to promote safe driving among employees (join Brake’s advice service for professionals and get a free place);
• implementing best practice procedures, including driver training, careful journey scheduling, and vehicle technology such as blind spot sensors and telematics, to protect vulnerable road users and minimise risk – Brake’s advice service for professionals is here to help.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: ‘With such a high proportion of vulnerable road user casualties on our roads involving someone driving for work, it is vital employers play their part in spreading the look out for each other message among drivers, and implementing strong procedures to minimise their risk.’