The installation of driver safety aids by fleets could quickly cut the number of accidents their fleets are involved in, according to an £18 million study called the European Field Operational Test (EuroFOT). The safety systems of fleet vehicles including forward collision warning and speed limiters were tested during a four-year period, following which recommendations were made to fleets to equip new vehicles with these sophisticated systems. Most fleet managers will however raise their eyebrows at the cost of packing vehicles with such safety aids as lane departure, collision warning/braking and blind spot information likely to cost up to £2,000 per car. For fleets with upwards of 100 vehicles the installation of new driver safety aids would equate to £100,000. However, with road deaths increasing by 3 per cent from 1,850 in 2010 to 1,901 in 2011, the findings of the EuroFOT suggest aids such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning could positively impact on 5.7 per cent of motorway accidents. EuroFOT tested 1,000 cars and trucks equipped with advanced driver safety aids, covering over 21 million miles and their testing has been welcomed by the Road Safety Foundation. Dr Joanne Marden, director of the Road Safety Foundation, believes it is vital to "get safety policies back on track." "For vehicles, it means continuing the introduction of safety features in four and five-star cars and accelerating the adoption of technologies such as electronic stability control and emergency brake assistance that help drivers avoid crashes," Marden added. Although fleet managers will be able to play their part in implementing safety systems in company vehicles, many experts are calling on the Government to play their part in taking road safety seriously once again. Simon Best, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), said: "Ministers should take this as a serious warning. Cutting road safety education, scrapping casualty targets, and reductions in local authority spending all suggest that road safety isn't a major priority for this Government." At IT Fleet Automotive as part of our fleet refurbishment service we are dedicated to providing high-quality mechanical and safety pre-delivery inspections of all fleet vehicles restored to roadworthy condition within our workshops. Using industry leading techniques, technology and training we are well equipped to repair and refurbish fleets on site. If you are looking to revamp your fleet vehicles why not give our knowledgeable team a call today on 01473 313057 or fill in our online enquiry form and we will respond as soon as possible.
