Foreign truck drivers using UK roads are now responsible for a disproportionate number of on-road collisions, a fact that should be sending a shudder down the corporate spine of any British organisation whose supply chain is heavily dependant on overseas nationals.
According to the Association of British Insurers, the number of crashes caused by foreign-registered vehicles has risen by a staggering 47% in the past five years and the respected industry body believes that the 45 key differences between British and other European countries’ road laws and testing regimes are largely responsible.
Truck drivers clearly need to understand the UK rules of the road and this appears to be the fundamental problem. They may well be legally entitled to use our roads but too many foreign drivers are just not well prepared enough when it comes to understanding signs, road markings, restrictions and speed limits.
Drive & Survive, a leading business driver risk management specialist, believes it has an answer to at least part of the problem - a UK Driver Familiarisation distance learning course that can be accessed online or via a CD tutorial. The course touches on some of cultural differences between the countries, such as the attitude towards giving way to pedestrians on crossings, the general unacceptability of illegal parking and reaction to police intervention.
Having experienced some of these driving antics on the M25, without being discriminating, surely the companies employing these foreign drivers should make it a legal requirement that all their drivers embark on this course.
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet