Businesses have a major part to play in the United Nations’ new 2030 target on road safety, according to the Driving for Better Business programme.

The DfBB says businesses and industries of all sizes and sectors have a major influence on safer use of roads

The United Nations launched its Decade of Action on Road Safety 2021-2030 this week, with the target of preventing at least 50% of the current level of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.

And it’s crucial that fleets get onboard, according to Driving for Better Business, a free-to-access government-backed National Highways programme.

Campaign manager Simon Turner explained: “Businesses and industries of all sizes and sectors can, and do, contribute significantly, through rigorous management of fleets, positive influence on employees and procurement and contracting standards that clearly demonstrate a commitment to safer use of the roads.”

How companies can set expectations of their suppliers:

• Specify vehicle safety levels (including for powered two-wheelers) for vehicle fleets that are used in carrying out procured services;
• Require that transport drivers, including those using powered two-wheelers and other motorised personal mobility devices, have undergone user training;
• Expect suppliers to perform road safety performance self-monitoring and reporting; and
• Set standards for scheduling and planning procured driving operations and practices to manage driver fatigue, driver distractions, use of low-risk roads, use of lower risk vehicles, and improved times for travel.

“Global action on reducing road risk needs leaders who recognise that effective management of people is central to the success of any organisation – and can yield significant benefits in terms of business performance, cost efficiency and staff wellbeing,” added Simon Turner. “When it comes to driving for work, it’s not just about management of drivers, but anyone whose role may impact upon the driver such as line managers, work schedulers, vehicle engineers and suppliers.”