What is Road Risk?

Picture of a carThe risk of death per hour while using the roads is 7.5 times the risk per hour in the rest of everyday life.

  • In GB in 2010 there were 208,655 road casualties reported to the police. Of these 24,517 were either killed or seriously injured
  • In Scotland in 2010 there were 13,324 road casualties reported to the police. Of these 2,168 were either killed or seriously injured
  • Up to one-third of all road crashes involve someone who is driving for work purposes
  • More employees are killed in ‘at work road accidents’ than in all other occupational accidents
  • The risk of dying in a road collision while driving for work is considerably greater than that of any other occupational task
  • Risk factors involving the journey include: the time of day the journey is made, the time allowed for the distance to be covered ensuring suitable breaks: environmental conditions such as weather, darkness, specific road condition, limits and restrictions. The process of dealing with emergency breakdown and accident situations and specific route choice for the vehicle types should all be considered
  • Risk factors involving the driver include: driver age, licence, experience and familiarity with vehicle type, distractions (such as use of SatNav, mobile phones, eating, drinking, passengers, smoking, tuning radio), driver impairment through tiredness, alcohol, drugs or medication, poor eyesight, stress, lack of concentration, use of seatbelts and appropriate restraints. Driver attitude towards other road users and awareness of responsibility regarding risks and violations such as speeding are other factors to be considered
  • Risk factors involving the vehicle include: vehicle roadworthiness, appropriate secured load transportation, vehicle type and route plans, use of in-built safety features, adhering to relevant speed limits

This list is not exhaustive and will vary between businesses. It is important to ensure that your employees who drive for work are familiar with company policies covering all aspects of risk relevant to your business.