Poor knowledge of driver training and a lack of education could see fleets breaking the law, according to new research. A survey has revealed that 46 per cent of fleet managers did not know what legally constitutes dangerous driving, which can see drivers facing up to 14 years in jail. Insurer Allianz Commercial and legal firm DAC Beachcroft's research includes a white paper on promoting awareness about motoring offenses and their penalties, identifying the various driving offenses and sentencing guidelines, while highlighting the impact on companies when an employee is charged with an offense. Jonathan Dye, head of motoring at Allianz Commercial, said: 'Over the past few years we have seen a clampdown on dangerous and careless driving and the introduction of harsh new penalties. 'The key aim of our report is to raise awareness in order to protect businesses, their drivers and other road users.î Lili Oliver, head of motor prosecutions at DAC Beachcroft, said: 'It is crucial drivers understand that criminal law will hold them responsible for the decisions they make behind the wheel. 'This is particularly true when using electronic equipment which has the potential to distract them and affect their driving because the court considers this as increasing the culpability and seriousness of any driving offence.î Death by dangerous driving could happen to anyone _ a recent case involved a driver on the motorway using his hands-free kit _ he failed to notice that cars in front of him had stopped for road works and crashed into the back of another vehicle, killing the driver. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving: 'Fleets shouldn't be encouraging anything that is going to potentially distract an employee when driving a vehicle; it's common sense,î added Dye. 'However, I don't necessarily think it's a question of banning the use of hands-free phones. It's about how you use them and when you use them.î
