March 2008

100 companies “named & shamed” for bad driving

More than 100 companies have now been named and shamed on a road safety website, after their drivers were spotted doing something illegal on the roads.

And the campaigner behind the site has warned bosses they are leaving themselves open to new corporate manslaughter laws if they don’t take immediate action.

The companies are named on BetterDrivingPlease.com, a website where anyone can report bad driving they see on our roads.

Reports naming companies include:

• The driver of a van for a national construction company who pulled into oncoming traffic in Harrogate, forcing other vehicles to brake
• The driver of a bus who tailgated another driver and flashed his lights to get them to move out of the way, on the M1 around Luton
• The driver of a van for a TV company using a handheld mobile phone in Dartford, Kent

In total, more than 10,000 reports have been received on the site. Typically the number plate and make & model of the offending vehicle is added.

But founder Andrew McGavin said they are starting to see a number of companies named.

He said: “If your business’s vehicles have the company name plastered all over it and your drivers are spotted committing a road offence, you can increasingly expect to see the name of your business linked to the report of bad driving.

“People won’t put up with appalling driving on our roads any more. Now they have an outlet to do something about it, they are not holding back.”

It’s estimated one in three of all road accidents involves a company vehicle, or someone driving on business.

The new Corporate Manslaughter Act which comes into force on 6th April aims to reduce the number of accidents.

Companies could be held responsible if it is proved their management of health & safety has failed with fatal consequences. This includes drivers on company business.

Andrew added: “This isn’t just a risk to the reputation of your business; it’s becoming a threat to its future.

“All company directors need to act now to ensure drivers know the laws, stick to them, and face harsh penalties if they are caught breaking them.”

ENDS

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

• For any further information, quotes or interviews, a BetterDrivingPlease.com spokesman is available. Please email press@publicityheaven.com or call Paul Green on 08452 303049
• To find specific reports of bad driving, go to www.BetterDrivingPlease.com and enter the area in the Keyword search box
• You are welcome to publish any information you find on the website
• A factfile, logo, screenshots and other press resources are available online at http://www.betterdrivingplease.com/press.asp