Fleet operators 'must clamp down on use of phones behind the wheel'
Commercial vehicle operators and fleet managers across the UK have been advised to improve their risk management strategies by clamping down on drivers who use their mobile phones behind the wheel.
According to UK fuel card provider the Fuelcard Company, firms should exercise a strict mobile-while-driving policy, banning workers from using their phones when their vehicles are moving.
Research by the company revealed that just 12 per cent of motorists have stopped making calls behind the wheel, even though it can reduce reaction times by up to 50 per cent compared to normal driving.
Jakes de Kock, marketing director at the Fuelcard Company, said this could have grave consequences for fleet operators and drivers if steps are not taken to resolve the problem.
"If there is an accident and the correct procedures haven't been followed, courts will hold fleet managers and company owners accountable and this could result in legal action against them," he warned.
The caution comes after tyre safety organisation TyreSafe last week warned commercial fleet operators to make tyre maintenance a "key priority" in order to ensure the safety of their drivers and reduce the number of accidents on the roads.