Firms with business car leasing deals 'should warn drivers not to use mobiles'
Posted by Joanna Simons
Firms with business car leasing contracts in place to provide their staff with company vehicles are amongst those who are being warned to advise drivers not to use mobile phones at the wheel.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) says motorists - including fleet drivers - must be educated about the dangers of talking while in control of a vehicle.
Fleet solutions managers carrying out the task of putting an effective risk management strategy in place may consider notifying drivers of the dangers associated with mobile phone use a priority.
Neil Greig, IAM's director of policy and research, said: "It is clear that, despite wide publicity on the risks, people are still choosing to ignore advice and use their phones in their cars."
Accidents caused by motorists using mobiles are "completely avoidable," Mr Greig states - and could result in a loss of reputation for any company with a business car leasing contract in place.
Norfolk Constabulary recently revealed that it is cracking down on road users who use their mobile, with 50 caught and penalised in the first week of its scheme.