More than a third of van drivers drive more carefully in their personal vehicles

12 September 2013
More than a third (39 per cent) of UK van drivers admit to driving more carefully when using their personal vehicle, a TomTom study has revealed.

The research, conducted among light commercial vehicle (LCV) drivers, found 67 per cent of those did so to save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear and 29 per cent because of the absence of working time pressures.

In addition, 59 per cent said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures.

A significant proportion of at-work drivers demonstrate clear awareness of the benefits of safe, efficient driving, which is applied in their personal vehicles – but working pressures are adversely affecting performance said Thomas Schmidt, TomTom Business Solutions’ Managing Director.

Inefficient practice will have a negative impact on business profitability, as a result of higher fuel costs, lower productivity and an increased number of accidents

The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers

The study also found that three-quarters (75 per cent) of respondents admit to speeding in their work vehicles, with 24 per cent doing so regularly.

Greener, safer, more efficient driving practices require businesses to collaborate with their drivers added Thomas.

Appropriate fleet management technology can play a major role in this, offering clear management information and helping to raise awareness of responsible driving by providing real-time feedback to drivers. This not only provides transparency on performance standards being measured but can also help companies target driver training where it is most needed

However, only 20 per cent of respondents said their company provides training to help them drive more safely and efficiently and just 35 per cent claim their employers use technology to monitor driving performance and fuel efficiency.