The call comes from training provider Diverse Road Safety (DRS), which says that lots of fleets have invested in telematics but many don't use the information collected to target training where it's needed.

Jo Webster, DRS director, explained: "Improving safety records is more vital than ever in the fleet industry but telematics on its own isn't a an effective method of risk management. While it does put pressure on fleet drivers to drive more carefully, as they feel they are being watched, it needs to be managed effectively at central control and used to aid training and support drivers.

"We are recommending that more firms actually review their recordings, or bring experts in to review the data. From the data they can then spot employees who have certain bad habits or even potentially could be dangerous drivers and then training can be developed for those drivers, to address the issue. 

“It's about using technology with training to make improvements. We've personally seen this approach have a huge impact for fleet businesses, not just improving safety records but actually improving efficiency. Training with telematics can modify driver behaviour and result in savings both in vehicle wear and tear, accident costs and fuel consumption.  We'd like to see this combined approach as standard in the industry, in the future."