And I hope you will (The IAM) have success with Drive & Survive, acquired earlier this year.  Indeed back when I was a company car driver I did a Drive & Survive course!

The company I worked for realised that it was important to have their employees trained in defensive driving, which is why they chose Drive & Survive, and fleet driver training generally is an increasingly important part of the market.  Most employers recognise they have a legal responsibility for the health and safety of their staff at work - but too many are failing to look after employees who drive as part of their job.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, Minister of State for Transport

DHL have used Drive & Survive training for a number of years, we are very pleased with both the results and the positive response from our drivers.  As a result we have no hesitation in expanding the programme further.

John Olley, Senior Fleet Training Officer, DHL International (UK) Ltd

As a direct result of embarking upon Drive & Survive training our accident costs have reduced from £16,500 per annum to £6,500 in the first year following training, and to £2,500 in the second year.  A real result vastly improving my employees welfare, whilst at the same time saving very significant sums of money.

Derek Lacey, Clarion Security

The acceptance (of driver awareness training) by the drivers was both open-minded and enthusiastic, which was surprising when it might appear that you are telling an HGV driver of 20 years experience how to drive!  However, thanks to the diplomacy and practical experience of the trainers, immediate benefits were achieved - we saw a 95% drop in claims in the 10 months following training and a reduction in fuel consumption across the fleet...This has meant that we have made not only an investment in top class equipment, but also training our biggest asset, our drivers, to the highest level possible. 

Bill Owen, Operations Manager, Nijman Zeetank

Meakin Transport believes in taking a proactive approach to road safety.  This led to the company investing in Drive & Survive training.  Amongst the many benefits we have enjoyed are improved staff morale, fewer accidents and considerable savings in fleet operating costs.

David Blaker, Managing Director, Meakin Transport Ltd.

Drive & Survive training has proved extremely effective.  Our fleet drivers are now far more aware of the everyday risks out on the road.  The training is of the highest quality and feedback from the drivers has been extremely positive, particularly as the training is tailored to individual needs .

Paul Welsh, Managing Director, Global Logistics (UK) Ltd

The way in which defensive driving courses with Drive & Survive training was delivered meant it was highly accepted by our drivers and was planned to fit around our busy schedules.  As a result we have experienced a marked reduction in minor unnecessary bumps and damage, therefore reducing our fleet running costs

Mr. Trevor Ellis, Managing Director, C.S. Ellis

Your trainers have an excellent attitude and are a credit to you. I am sure our drivers have benefited a great deal.

R Woolfall, Operations Manager, Spar

The course was absolutely excellent…and as a result we got a substantial reduction in our premiums.

Maggy Harris, Director, Carpaints

Everything was excellent.  The Drive & Survive booking procedure is painless and training is always available on the dates that suit me.  The same trainer provides the training so that he has been able to build up a relationship with our staff.  The course is excellent.  People ask me when they can undertake the next course.  They pick up new things each time.

Drive & Survive training is not a test, which means that drivers feel more at ease and the suggestions from trainers are easier to take on board.  All the staff are very friendly.  A.G. Fluropolymers has certainly benefited from Drive & Survive training. 

Sarah Spencer, Training Co-ordinator, A.G. Fluropolymers

"I've had lots of comments about how beneficial it's been, even from experienced drivers.  They've all been surprised how enjoyable the course was, mainly because the trainers put everyone at ease and stress that there is no test involved."

Peter Conway, Garage Manager, Carpenter Ltd

Without exception the feedback from employees has been very positive regarding course content and what they have learned.  

Angela Giles, HS&E Analyst, Chevron UK Ltd

The response from staff has been full of enthusiasm and praise for the benefit of the training.  The prospect of organising training for approximately 135 staff within a five week period seemed totally daunting.  However, working with Drive & Survive has been an enlightening and pleasurable experience.  In the end the task was quite painless.  Well done!   

Lindsey Ripley, Director, Consultant Services

Initially, there was some resistance to the idea of Drive & Survive training, but all the feedback after training was very good.  I certainly benefited.  Twelve months down the line I am still remembering things that I learnt in the course.  A lot of information goes into your head but it’s not until you are driving that you remember tips relevant to that situation. 

The staff at Drive & Survive are very accommodating.  Also the trainers are skilled in the art of constructive criticism without being patronising or petty.  

Lynn Hewitt, Fleet Manager, Page & Moy

"SGB Services Ltd knows only too well the work schedules imposed on its fleet drivers. They are spending more time on the roads and are increasingly preoccupied with work.  Whichever way we look at it our drivers probably have reasons to lose concentration, fail to notice a hazard or get taken by surprise when behind the wheel.  Accidents statistics are stacked against fleet drivers. 

Because of this, SGB engaged Drive & Survive to give drivers the benefit of 'Awareness Training' in an effort to reduce the possibilities of being involved in an accident.  Over 80% of our 1000+ drivers undertook the awareness training.  We are now reaping the benefits.  SGB has found the Drive & Survive tutors to be very friendly and informative.  Everyone that has undergone the training session has come away having learnt something, even those who have been driving for many years. 

Traffic and road conditions have changed over the years, so it is a good thing to be brought up to date and made aware of current traffic and road situations.  SGB would have no hesitation in recommending Drive & Survive to individuals or organisations considering going down this awareness training avenue.  

Trevor Dady, Administration Manager, SGB Fleet Services

Our drivers are on the road every day.  When you do something every day you tend to become blasé.  Drive & Survive training made the drivers think about what they were doing.  Tips on motorway driving, where to park, the blind spots of a lorry and even what is under the bonnet were useful.  Drive & Survive training opens your eyes to things that you don’t generally think about but need to be aware of.

Susan Owen, Car & Mobile Communications, Smith & Nephew Healthcare

I am writing to let you know how pleased we have been with the Drive & Survive training.  Virtually all of the 100 or so drivers that went through the half-day course have considered it highly worthwhile.  Not only have they commented on the many useful skills they have learnt, but they also indicated that it was a lot of fun.  I would certainly agree on both parts.  Although of less importance, it is worth noting that the administration of the programme also went without a hitch.

Jerry Green, Group Finance Director, Yates Group PLC

Success Stories in Graph Form
Signage Manufacturer & Installer, 150 Cars & LCVs
Construction Industry, 600 Cars & LCVs
Dangerous Goods Transporters, 70 LGVs incl. "Floatliner" Type Trailers
Dry Goods Delivery, 1200 LGVs