Four in ten fleet managers in the UK do not class safety as an important consideration when procuring vehicles, meaning they could be losing out financially.

This was one of the findings of research carried out among more than 100 fleet managers and decision-makers by eSafetyAware, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes awareness of e-safety systems and their benefits. The organisation found that just 28 per cent of those it spoke to look for a Euro NCAP rating when purchasing cars and vans. Only 42 per cent said their policies considered duty of care, and 41 per cent said there were no requirements for specific safety equipment in vehicles. Many fleet managers were also unaware of, or uninterested in, the latest electronic safety technologies.
 


According to eSafetyAware, more than 150 vehicles driven on company business crash each day in the UK. Every year, an estimated 7000 deaths and injuries on UK roads involve at-work drivers and it is mainly business that pays for it. 
 
Adrian Walsh, director of the RoadSafe forum, which works with the motor industry and related companies to reduce road deaths and injuries, said: “Fleet decision-makers rightly focus on driver behaviour, but many seem to overlook the importance of buying or leasing safe vehicles. 
 


“They must look out for those equipped with the latest technology, such as electronic stability control (ESC), and those with the highest Euro NCAP ratings. There is a strong business case for investing in e-safety in fleets. Evidence from our campaign partners proves this.”


Tracey Scarr, fleet and road safety manager at fleet and fuel management company, Arval, said her employer’s investment in e-safety technologies such as ESC has helped it to reduce the number of accidents and cost of repairs significantly.

She added: “Around 40 per cent of fatal road accidents are a result of skidding, and studies show that ESC will dramatically reduce this. Obviously, there is no substitute for careful driving, but this is a valuable safety feature that will help reduce the risk of death or serious injury for our drivers.”
 


In light of its success in improving safety, Arval won the Fleet Safety Award at this year’s eSafety Challenge, which took place on 13 July at Millbrook Proving Ground, where Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton, and eight-time Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, gave live demonstrations of crucial eSafety Systems. To find out more, visit www.esafetychallenge.eu