Page 33 - Company Supplied Vehicles, Drivers' Manual v3

• Remember that when you adjust your seat to the optimum seating position, you may
experience some discomfort as your body adjusts to the new position. Don’t worry it will
only last for a few days so please preserve. It will be worth it.
• When getting in and out of the vehicle try to avoid straining and twisting. When getting
out turn your whole body towards the vehicle door and slide your feet onto the ground
and then stand up, and vice versa for getting in.
• If you have leaflet pouches behind your seat, avoid twisting round to get them. It is better
to get out of the vehicle and reenter facing the rear by placing one knee on the seat to
avoid twisting the lower back.
• If you need to access the rear of the vehicle to lift items or tools out of the vehicle, try to
keep the space tidy and organised so you can place one knee into the vehicle to reach
and lift items from a good stable base. Avoid stooping from the back with the knees
locked straight.

3.9 Driving standards and behaviours

Driving is probably the most hazardous thing people do. In the UK, about 20 people are killed
and 250 seriously injured every week in crashes involving people driving, riding or using the
road for work purposes. Studies have shown that incident rates for people who drive on
company business are 30-40% higher than other drivers.

Employees may be required to undertake a driver training assessment in their company vehicle.
The driving assessment covers all road types, junctions, roundabouts, reversing, various road
signs and markings plus any situations incurred during the assessment. Driving errors are
highlighted to the individual for correction. The driver’s licence, eyesight and condition of the
vehicle is also checked. The assessment allows adequate time for driving skills to be assessed
and developed plus instruction on fuel efficient driving.

Additional road safety interventions include a pre-course questionnaire, which takes into
consideration the driver’s experience, knowledge, attitude and behaviour plus a safe driving
pledge.

Commercial Drive4Life Handbook – January 2022 (Glen Dimplex Fleet Assistance – 01604 747269) Page 32 of 37