“Dangerous attitudes and behaviours” of the C-Suite are putting the safety of employees who drive for work at risk, according to a new study commissioned by Driving for Better Business (DfBB).
The DfBB survey of 1,006 employees and 255 C-Suite executives (Executive Directors) from the UK, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed a tension between what C-Suite claim and what their employees say is happening while driving for work.
The findings show that despite three quarters (75 percent) of C-Suite executives claiming to ensure employees are aware of their legal obligations in relation to driving for work, nearly half (45 percent) of employees surveyed who drive their personal car for work said they have not been given a copy of their employer’s driving for work policy.
The report found that business leaders are not performing checks on employees who drive their personal cars (“Grey Fleet”) for work purposes. Three in five leaders (60 percent) stated they were unsure if any or how many employees use their own car to drive for work purposes.
Of the drivers surveyed, 90 percent said they used their personal cars for work journeys, 75 percent doing so at least once a week, yet a third of these drivers (33 percent) were not insured to do so – saying they do not have cover for business use on their vehicle insurance. Only a third (34 percent) said their employer had checked their driving licence.
“The report shows a disparity between what employers and employees are saying when driving for work,” said Simon Turner, Campaign Manager, DfBB. “C-Suite leaders are failing to communicate and implement a robust driving for work policy to keep those who drive for work safe, particularly for those who use their personal cars (‘Grey Fleet’). Leaders are failing to carry out basic due diligence checks such as ensuring that all employees have a driving licence or vehicle insurance.
“At the same time, the study highlights employees are putting themselves at risk while driving for work, not checking that vehicles are roadworthy and exhibit reckless behaviours when using their mobile phone.”
“As a way of reducing occupational road risk and safeguarding employee wellbeing, a dual responsibility by C-Suite leadership and employees is needed. Leaders must implement a driving for work policy that enforces legal and ethical obligations on all employees that drive on work-related journeys. Regular checks need to be put in place to ensure that employees have read and understood the guidelines laid out in the driving for work policy. In doing so, the associated risk to road users and pedestrians is reduced.”
