Fleet Drivers: Study Reveals Most Driving Common Mistakes
A new study has revealed some of the most common mistakes made by fleet drivers.
The research centred around fleets and driver behaviour, looking at how those who drive for a living fare and where improvements could be made in driving habits.
Some of the most common mistakes made by fleet drivers include forgetting a vehicle has a 6th gear, excessive idling, and aggressive driving.
Aggressive driving encompasses a range of driving issues, such as speeding, late braking, hard cornering, and other mistakes.
Signs of aggressive driving are usually things that fleet owners like to clamp down on for several reasons, whether that’s driver safety, the safety of other road users or fuel efficiency.
The Biggest Issues For Fleet Drivers
One of the criticisms levelled at registering driving offences in the UK is an overreliance on manual administration of fines and recognising offences.
But in recent years, the focus has been on ensuring more cameras are able to detect speeding, such as on smart motorways with variable speed limits, and on recognising danger, such as with red x cameras on motorways.
With mobile phone laws now more targeted as well, it’s important that the use of handheld devices is clamped down on by more than just police patrolling the roads.
Any driver caught using a mobile device while driving faces a maximum fine of £1,000 and six points on their licence, with the punishment even being able to extend to a driving ban.
As well as the road safety implications, there are issues for fleets that can be caused by drivers making common mistakes.
For example, fuel consumption can be higher, increasing costs, while the wear and tear on brakes and tyres can lead to vehicles being off the road for more maintenance, as well as increasing costs.
How Are Motoring Offences Monitored?
Monitoring motoring offences requires a significant police presence which isn’t realistic on the majority of roads at all times, as we all know.
A couple of years ago, ‘Operation Snap’ was launched by police forces around the UK to provide a central place for road users to send in dashcam footage, as well as personal camera footage from cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.
That, coupled with automated speed cameras on motorways and some main roads has helped relieve the burden on the police.
But with figures rising, the question has to be asked as to whether it’s simply a case of more drivers being caught or more offences being committed… although authorities will be hoping that these latest figures act as a deterrent to drivers.
Given that aggressive driving is one of the most common issues for fleet drivers, it’s food for thought as we all focus on road safety.
Do you think more needs to be done to clamp down on driving offences? And do you think aggressive driving is a serious issue for drivers? Let us know in the comments below.
