Developments such as 3G internet have enormous potential to distract drivers who should be paying attention to the road, and company car and van drivers need to be protected by their employers while they are behind the wheel, a fleet expert has warned.
According to Neville Briggs, Managing Director of CFC Solutions:
“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,” he added.
“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.
Employers should introduce hands-free kit as standard in all cars, while other devices such as in-car mobile texting should be fully controlled. It is down to employers to put protective measures in place as part of their risk management policies, added Mr Briggs.