A partnership between Cranfield University and Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services (BBPFS) has resulted in the launch of a state-of-the-art driving simulator and psychometric assessment programme designed to reduce the risk of accidents and improve fuel efficiency.
The Driver Risk Management Programme (DRMP) was unveiled to BBPFS Directors at Balfour Beatty's West Service Road, Derby-based office during National Road Safety Week last Friday.
BBPFS has selected Cranfield University's psychometric driver risk assessment - the Fleet Driver Risk IndexTM (FDRI) to assess their employees' strengths and weaknesses behind the wheel. On completing the FDRI, the drivers will undertake a number of bespoke simulator scenarios, based on Cranfield University research and designed to help lessen driver risk.
The technology has the capability to focus on different driver personas ranging from aggression, confrontation, thrill seeking, driver fatigue and confidence. The effect is to create a highly realistic environment in which the driver can immerse themselves.
The DRMP also consists of e-learning and the recruitment of an ex-police traffic officer to deliver a series of safety awareness seminars for employees.
The full scope of the programme develops valuable life skills that will impact employees at work, outside of the workplace and throughout their lives. The principle aim is to reduce the risks drivers pose whilst working, at the same time as benefiting the employees, their families and local communities.
Reader in Driver Behaviour and Training at Cranfield's Department of Systems Engineering and Human Factors, Lisa Dorn said: "BBPFS is now at the forefront of driver training by embracing new technology and educational methods to manage the risks of driving for work. We are delighted to be working in partnership with them and have put together a comprehensive training programme. It is likely that the programme will not only save the company money and contribute to a better environment, but encourage safer driving as well."
Neil Godfrey of Cranfield University's School of Engineering said: "We are delighted that BBPFS has chosen to use Cranfield University expertise and the Fleet Driver Risk Index as key components of such a significant project, aimed at improving driver safety".
Balfour Beatty Plant & Fleet Services Managing Director, Steve Farmer said: "We decided to work with Cranfield University as they have a worldwide respected reputation and have carried out ground-breaking research on the topic over the last 20 years.
"We have introduced the programme as part of our strong commitment to improving road safety which includes a range of driver safety-related initiatives. Road safety is an essential part of our corporate social responsibility and we reinforce this with the message that "People are a company asset that cannot be replaced."
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