Fleet drivers must be insulated from distractions of the mobile office to stay safe

Company car and van drivers need to be protected by their employers from the distractions of mobile office technology while they are behind the wheel

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The fleet software specialist says that developments such as the on-the-move text function included in the latest Toyota Yaris have enormous potential to distract drivers who should be paying attention to the road

Neville Briggs, managing director, said that such new technology needed to be very carefully controlled and that it was down to employers to put protective measures in place as part of their risk management policies.

He explained: “A lot of impressive new technology – from smart phones to mobile internet access - has become available to company car and van drivers over the last few years and created a genuine mobile office environment that has increased their productivity and flexibility considerably.

“However, there needs to be a clear directive spelled out in risk management policies that says these devices should not be used on the move. It is simply too dangerous, however carefully manufacturers and others work on integration with a car’s own systems. They will always be a distraction.

“Virtually all fleets have taken a hard line on mobile phone use while driving, with many banning it even if a proper hands free kit is fitted, and other devices such as in-car mobile texting should be similarly controlled.”

CFC’s is closely involved in fleet risk management mainly through its Licence Link software, which is designed to provide a fast and easy means for employers to check the current status of the driving licence of their employees, automating an important part of the fleet risk management process.