Managing driver speed

In this article, we explore how to adjust your fleet policy in order to better influence driver behaviours, reduce speed – and ultimately help your organisation to save money, resource and potentially even lives.

When it comes to road safety, the adjustment we can make that has the greatest impact on safety is speed.

Why?

Whether at fault or not, speed is still a contributing factor in all collisions as without movement there is no impact.

We all know that speeding increases the likelihood of a collision and its severity. Drivers who break the speed limit or drive recklessly (even within the limits) compromise the safety of all road users - that includes drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Tunnel Vision

A lesser-known effect of speeding is that of our peripheral vision; as speed increases we adopt a tunnel-like vision and are less likely to notice other vehicles or potential hazards approaching from our side.

This is particularly dangerous when approaching roundabouts, junctions and in built up areas. Regardless of the situation, speeding will also affect the ability to brake as there is a natural delay in transition from reaction time to stopping distance.

Learn more about stopping distances

We're proud to support Brake

Athlon support Brake, the road safety charity in campaigning for further awareness into what ‘only’ a few miles per hour can really influence.

Brake | The Road Safety Charity

A 2004 study by Nilsson demonstrated that a 5% increase in average speed typically leads to a 10% increase in the number of injuries at the site of a collision and a 20% increase in the number of fatalities. A further landmark study published by Driving For Better Business showed that nearly one in three road deaths involves a driving-for-work trip.

We suggest demonstrating a proactive approach to speeding

Addressing such behaviours and clearly signposting to further support training within your organisation:

1️⃣ Who does this responsibility sit with?
Your Fleet Manager, HR or Compliance department? Ensuring everyone is clear on which function this is owned by within the business is crucial, as is regular communication and available resource, outlined in your Fleet Policy.

2️⃣ How is data applied and how to identify my high-risk drivers?
Should a fixed penalty notice be issued, the organisation is often notified first, either by your leasing provider or directly if the organisation is the registered owner of a vehicle. It's important to link these behaviours to your driver’s periodic reviews, just like any behaviours in an office environment would be.

3️⃣ How often are licence checks being reviewed?
Drivers are unlikely to make you aware of any infringements such as speeding or reckless driving incidents that have led to driving offences and points being issued. Regular checks could indicate the drivers that need to be monitored. Do you record return conditions or replacement tyres? These could also be indicators of poor driving practices.

4️⃣ Why are your drivers speeding?
Understanding the motivation behind behaviour can often help to address it. Drivetech suggests common reasons for speeding are time pressure, lack of awareness, social norms or even thrill-seeking. Frequent occurrences such as running late or over-taking can be easily reduced with effective journey-planning, strategic meeting scheduling or even a change to working hours in the rise of flexible working.

5️⃣ What does good look like?
Ensure leaders in your organisation are modelling the same safe practices. Ongoing management of all driver data and wellbeing, not just those considered high risk, should be priority. Build into your driver policy the risks and consequences of speeding/dangerous driving, not just from a legal perspective but at company level too. Speak to us about monitoring and incentives for improved driving practices through our trusted partner, Brightmile.

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