The Hidden Costs of Untrained Drivers: Essential Driver Training for Charities

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The Hidden Costs of Untrained Drivers: Essential Driver Training for Charities

Many charities rely on their vehicle fleet and driver team to deliver essential services.

There’s non-emergency medical transportation taking people who can’t drive themselves or use public transportation to appointments, clinics, and hospitals.

And collections of donated clothing, furniture, and household goods.

Food bank deliveries and collections.

Mobile outreach services and disability services that offer people access to essential workplace education and social activities.

However you use your fleet to serve, of course you’ll want a safe and reliable road safety culture.

And at the heart of a safe and reliable road safety culture within any charity?

Driver Training

Training does more than just protect drivers themselves, it:

  • Safeguards other road users
  • Extends the life of your vehicles
  • Cuts fuel costs
  • Helps you run a more efficient and cost-effective service
  • Helps ensure legal compliance
  • Motivates and retains staff
  • Protects and enhances your charity brand within the community

And while the benefits might all seem common sense enough, it’s also worth bearing in mind the hidden costs of not training your drivers.

‘Less than ideal’ driving that ends up harming your charity with:

Failing to fulfil your Duty of Care

By law, all employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees’ safety, including those who drive for work. This is called the “Duty of Care” under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Investing in fleet driver training and a management system like Charity Fleet Pro clearly demonstrates your commitment to your employees’ well-being and can significantly reduce risks and create a safer working environment for your drivers.

Increased offroad time and expense

Untrained drivers run the risk of suffering more accidents and breakdowns. The longer your vehicles are off the road, the more delays, disruptions and frustration you and those who rely on you will experience. Bad for morale, bad for your reputation and bad for your bank balance. According to Direct Line Group, the average cost of even a minor accident is nearly £17,000.

Increased running costs

AA fleet and DriveTech report that poor drivers spend 67% more on fuel than the best drivers and 73% extra on tyres.

Fines and Legal Costs

Fewer accidents mean fewer potential legal repercussions. The more aware your drivers are of ‘the rules of the road’ and risky driving behaviours, like speeding or distracted driving, the fewer fines will rack up over time.

A damaged reputation

Poor driving habits, such as speeding or risky manoeuvring, don’t go unnoticed. A negative or dangerous driving experience can leave a lasting impression on donors, volunteers, and the community you serve. The last thing you want is a van with your logo plastered all over social media and being called out for a dodgy three-point turn.

Productivity problems

Delayed deliveries, too many “scenic routes”, collection confusion and mishaps will all disrupt the smooth running of your fleet, leading to increased staff time managing issues and potentially lost donations. In short – untrained drivers are less efficient.

Skyrocketing insurance premiums

There’s only one thing insurance companies hate more than a young driver, and that’s a driver with a history of accidents and claims. It’s a natural rule of vehicle insurance, the more claims you have, the higher your insurance premiums. And the more you’re shelling out every year in premiums the less you have to spend on your core mission. Vehicle insurance is costly enough these days, the last thing you need is to give the insurance companies an excuse to make it even more expensive.

Expensive recruitment and induction costs

Did you know it’s 73% less expensive to invest in current employee training than it is to hire new employees? In fact, recruiting new staff can cost up to a third of a driver’s salary. In addition, disengaged workers have an 81% increase in absenteeism, 64% more safety incidents, and a 59% higher turnover, according to data from Gallup.

With a lack of driver training leading to so many frustrating, expensive and ultimately avoidable problems, how can you make sure your drivers have the skills they need to work safely and efficiently?

The Importance of Ongoing Training

Driver training is anything but a one and done box-ticking exercise – it’s far too important for that and if the figures are anything to go by it’s desperately needed:

  • 70% of drivers are below the acceptable professional standard
  • 57% are Medium or High Risk for Concentration & Observations
  • 60% are Medium or High Risk when it comes to Hazard Perception

Make your training relevant, relatable and enjoyable. But most of all, make it ongoing.

It’s easy, when you partner with the right trainers.

Expert Driver Training Designed with Charity in Mind

Our new online driver training courses provide a crystal clear understanding of your drivers’ on-the-road behaviour. The more you understand their strengths and weaknesses, the faster you can address any knowledge gaps or performance issues and the safer and more efficient they’ll be.

Accessible from any device, each 20-minute module allows your drivers to learn at their own pace.

At just £36 per driver for a full 12 months including assessment, profiling, and access to all modules, we’re making driver training affordable for all.

Find out more about Driver Training For Charities

Treat your training as continuous professional development that helps drivers refine their skills throughout their careers.

With new EV vehicles, updated highway codes, and an ever-evolving road network it’s more important than ever that your drivers keep up-to-speed.

Don’t Skimp on Safety

Why let untrained drivers become a hidden financial burden or a reputational risk? Especially when you can use Charity Fleetcare’s driver training to empower them to become safe, efficient, on-the-road ambassadors for your charity and the great work you do.

Don’t skimp on safety.

Get in touch.

Discover everything you need to know about driver training for charities.

Arrange a Callback

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