Experts at a roundtable held by i247 Group found that fleet drivers are lacking knowledge of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The panellists warned that fleet drivers lack the knowledge to operate ADAS safely, leading to the systems being turned off.
A study conducted by i247 Group found that 7% of company car drivers received a thorough safety walkthrough during their vehicle handover, while 52% were given no guidance at all.
Panellists said that this knowledge gap negates the safety benefits of ADAS systems.
David Legg (pictured, far end right), director of propositions and partnerships at i247 Group, said: “Modern vehicles are packed with technology, often featuring up to 70 different driver-assist safety systems.
“Drivers may not understand or have the knowledge to operate these effectively and the danger is that people turn safety systems off, because they find them annoying.
“There’s a direct line for fleets between safety and cost – the most expensive part of the vehicle isn’t the car, it’s the driver.
“Everyone talks about total cost of ownership, but the driver and driver behaviour often gets left out of the equation.”
Amanda Brandon, director of member engagement at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), said: “From a road safety strategy perspective, one of the key areas we’re focusing on is the increasing use of in-vehicle technology.
“The Government is consulting on where responsibility sits for maintaining these systems, whether drivers fully understand ADAS features, and if clearer legal definitions are needed.
“In particular, we’re considering which party in the chain is accountable for technology maintenance, and where liability lies if something goes wrong.”
Speakers also highlighted how driver behaviour remains an important factor in fleet safety, with company car drivers representing a higher level of risk, as van and HGV drivers typically complete regular training and vehicle roadworthiness checks.
Telematics, data and proactive driver engagement were cited as key to reducing incidents, while the panel agreed that fleet managers have a critical role to play in fleet safety, by utilising technology to intervene before issues become serious safety risks.
Abul Rahman (pictured, left), deputy director of operational support services at Metropolitan Police, said: “Economic pressures can sometimes lead individuals to delay or reduce spending on vehicle maintenance, which can increase safety risks on the road.
“These challenges can be particularly pronounced in sectors such as independent delivery services and the gig economy, where drivers often work to demanding schedules and tight deadlines.
“Such pressures may contribute to greater wear and tear on vehicles.
“In policing, stringent measures are in place to ensure safe and responsible driving. All officers and staff using police vehicles receive appropriate training and are subject to regular reviews.
“Driving permits are issued only after internal assessments, which include annual checks of licence status and history.
“Any failure to report changes, such as penalty point endorsements, results in management action. This robust framework of oversight and accountability ensures that police officers and staff meet the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”
The roundtable was held at the BVRLA headquarters in Amersham on 11th March, with other speakers from The British Tyre Manufactures’ Association, Lex Autolease, Targa Telematics, Autoglass and Marshall Leasing.
