More measures for 'at work' drivers - LARSOA
LARSOA is calling for more safety measures for people who drive as part of their job. It is estimated that this may account for more than 20 deaths and 250 serious injuries on the UK's roads every week.
According to LARSOA, many employees complain that their employers expect them to be available on their mobile phone when they are driving - even though this is against the law. The new Road Safety Act has upped the penalties for this offence to a £60 fine and three penalty points.
David Frost, spokesman for LARSOA, says: "Our members know there is a problem, and people are often afraid to say anything to their employer. They will often risk answering a phone call because they are concerned about not being able to meet the deadlines and requirements of their jobs.
"We remind employers that they have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all employees while they are at work - and this extends to when they are on the road as part of their working day. We understand businesses have deadlines but it's far better to miss a deadline than risk an employee's life."
LARSOA would also like to see coroners obliged to investigate what precautions could have been taken to avoid a death while driving for work - and if any failing management practices contributed to the accident.
Simon Ettinghausen, chair of LARSOA, says: "This would help identify unsafe management practices and policies and help to improve this whole area, which causes so many avoidable tragedies."
Click here to read the full press release 
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