RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
April 5, 2007
RoSPA AND TESCO TACKLE WORK-RELATED ROAD RISK
An innovative driving challenge lies ahead of delivery staff at the UK’s largest supermarket chain, thanks to a unique partnership between RoSPA and Tesco.
Van drivers serving Tesco.com will be put through ROADTest, the UK’s first occupational advanced driving test for people who drive for a living or as part of their job.
It is the latest element to be added to a comprehensive training and assessment programme for Tesco.com drivers that has been developed during the two-year partnership with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Tesco has opted for a groundbreaking approach to implement the plan by training ROADTest examiners within its own ranks. The initiative will be incorporated into the company’s staff progression scheme.
ROADTest, which was jointly developed by RoSPA and DriveTech (UK) Limited, sets the benchmark standard for “at work” driving. Launched in 2006, it is aimed at preventing crashes involving people who drive as part of their job - particularly company car and van drivers, who have accident rates 35 to 50 per cent higher than private drivers.
It is estimated that up to a third of all road accidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. The Audit Commission’s recent Changing Lanes report on road safety said fatigue and deadline pressures were two contributory factors. It called for a greater focus on road safety education as a way of preventing accidents
As well as demonstrating outstanding driving skills, ROADTest candidates have to prove their understanding of key occupational road risk issues such as journey plans, safe speeds, fatigue, drink and drugs, mobile phone use and equipment storage.
Cliff Cheeseman, Tesco Training Manager, said: “At Tesco, we welcome ROADTest’s focus on the behavioural issues associated with driving. We need a high standard of driver who is competent in the mechanics of driving but who also recognises the importance of having a professional attitude at the wheel.”
Charles Davis, Head of Driver and Fleet Solutions at RoSPA, said: “All drivers benefit from advanced driver training. In fact, research has shown that advanced drivers are about 25 per cent less likely to be involved in a road collision.
“The advantages to organisations that put their drivers through an advanced driver training scheme such as ROADTest are clear: a safer and more efficient fleet with reduced accident and incident claims and repair costs, and a better company image.
“Tesco’s forward-thinking approach sets a fine example for others to follow.”
See www.rospa.com/roadtest for more information on ROADTest.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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