Driving for work is a common activity for many employees in the UK, but it also involves significant risks. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around a third of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is at work at the time.
Therefore, it is important for employers and employees to follow good practices and legal requirements when driving to work.
One of the sources of guidance for driving for work is Roadcraft, the official handbook for police driver training. Roadcraft is recognised as the gold standard in advanced police driver training and is used by all police forces, other emergency services, the armed forces and the general public. Roadcraft covers the principles and techniques of safe and efficient driving, based on evidence-based best practices and the national decision model (NDM)².
Some of the key aspects of Roadcraft that are relevant for driving for work are:
– **System of car control**: This is a systematic method of approaching and negotiating hazards that is applicable to any driving situation. The system has five phases: information, position, speed, gear and acceleration. The system helps drivers to make effective observations, take the best position on the road, adjust their speed to the circumstances, select the most suitable gear and accelerate smoothly³.
– **Attitude and behaviour**: Roadcraft emphasises the importance of having a positive attitude and a high level of self-awareness when driving. Drivers should be courteous, considerate and cooperative towards other road users, and avoid aggressive, impatient or complacent behaviour. Drivers should also be aware of their own limitations and avoid driving when tired, stressed, unwell or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– **Risk management**: Roadcraft provides a framework for assessing and managing risk when driving, based on the NDM. The NDM is a six-stage process that helps drivers to gather information, assess threats and risks, consider powers and policies, identify options and contingencies, take action and review the outcome. The NDM helps drivers to make reasonable and proportionate decisions in complex and dynamic situations.
By following the guidance of Roadcraft, drivers can improve their skills and confidence, and reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions. This can benefit not only the drivers themselves, but also their employers, who have a duty of care to ensure the health and safety of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their work activities.
Therefore, driving for work based on Roadcraft can be a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 22/01/2024