Fleet managers are being urged to look beyond their drivers when making investigations into accidents.

An increasing number of fleet operators are following up on accidents but they are failing to look at the wider issues, such as company culture and journey planning, according to Dr Will Murray a research director at Interactive Driving Systems (IDS).

He said: “An increasing number of organisations are implementing processes but are just focusing on the driver - they need to focus on the wider processes as well.”

“If drivers are completely negligent they should be held accountable but it is important to go beyond the driver when looking at corrective action.”

IDS has recently released a guidebook outlining the actions fleet managers should take following a collision. It includes tips on recording details at the scene of an accident, a self-audit tick sheet to assess where companies currently stand and a guide to the Haddon Matrix, which is highly recommended by Dr Murray.

The matrix examines all surrounding issues for fleet managers including the pressures for a driver to perform, journey planning and driver education.

“No amount of driver discipline or training will make any difference if the management systems are not right,” Dr Murray said.

“You have to make sure that your company policy addresses corrective action.”