23% of business drivers tailgate, 28% fail to check mirrors – IAM RoadSmart

A study of business drivers by IAM RoadSmart has found that 23% admit to tailgating, while 28% fail to check their mirrors.

IAM RoadSmart also found that 22% of business drivers do not observe the road ahead for potential hazards.

Nicholas Lyes, policy and standards director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “These findings will make disappointing reading for many fleet managers who are on the frontline for ensuring safety and reducing their organisation’s cost and carbon footprint.

“What these results show is that bad habits creep in over time, even with good drivers.

“The implications for fleets are significant, not only in terms of damage to vehicles, but for the safety of drivers and other road users and as a consequence, reputation.

“In far too many cases, drivers are failing to carry out even basic actions, like checking their mirrors or maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles in front.”

Inefficient driving habits were found in some business drivers, with 33% ranking below average for appropriate gear selection.

19% were found to be changing gear at the wrong time, increasing fuel consumption and therefore costs for fleets.