Understanding and managing operational road risk is a crucial issue for businesses operating a fleet of vehicles. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), more than a quarter of all road traffic accidents involve someone who is driving as part of their work at the time. This highlights the urgent need for and importance of establishing robust risk management practices to minimise these incidents.
What is Operational Road Risk?
Operational Road Risk refers to potential hazards associated with driving for work purposes. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a legal duty to manage these risks and ensure the safety of their employees and other road users. It covers a comprehensive range of factors, from employees’ driving abilities, vehicle conditions to journey management.
The Role of Vehicle Camera Systems in Risk Management
Utilising vehicle camera systems is one of the most effective ways to address operational road risks. They offer multiple benefits for robust fleet management:
Vehicle cameras function as an unbiased witness to on-road incidents, providing invaluable evidence in the event of an incident. This footage can protect drivers in the event of false claims and help resolve insurance disputes faster and more efficiently, essentially decreasing fraud.
Footage from vehicle cameras can be utilised to assess driver behaviour, pinpointing any dangerous practices such as speeding, harsh braking, and erratic lane changes for corrective action. Companies can provide relevant training based on this footage, contributing to improved driving habits, reduced accidents, and lower insurance premiums.
With advancements in technology, modern vehicle cameras integrate with additional features such as GPS vehicle tracking, allowing operators to monitor vehicle locations and routes, thus enabling improved scheduling and route efficiency. Ensuring drivers take suitable rest breaks and are not overworked can increase productivity and reduce the likelihood of accidents due to drowsiness or fatigue.
Vehicle camera systems help assure compliance with health and safety regulations, safeguarding drivers, and other road users. They act as a proof of carrying out necessary risk assessments and taking all feasible steps to ensure safety.
Overall, while operational road risk remains a significant concern for businesses operating fleets, the installation of vehicle camera systems has paved the way for a more controlled, safer approach. As HSE advises, ‘safe driving for work involves a culture that values careful planning, training, clear communication, thoughtful direction and leadership by example.’ These values can be significantly supported and evidenced using vehicle camera systems.
Adopting effective fleet technologies like vehicle camera systems is a positive stride in managing operational road risk. Not only do they improve fleet efficiency and maintain compliance towards regulations, but they also create a safer driving environment for employees and other road users.
If you would like to find out about Contel’s vehicle safety systems and how they can be implemented to manage your operational road risk, get in touch.
