Media statement | 12 September 2007

New guide to help employers cut costs, reduce crashes

Land Transport NZ and ACC have launched a new resource to help New Zealand employers keep their staff safe on the roads and improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.

The new Your Safe Driving Policy guide is designed as a hands-on resource for any organisation with staff who drive for work. It covers a wide range of topics, from choosing safer and more efficient vehicles, to training better drivers, dealing with fatigue and distraction, reducing fuel costs and promoting better work travel planning.

Last year road crashes cost New Zealand business $250 million in insurance claims alone. Land Transport NZ Chief Executive Wayne Donnelly said companies could reduce these costs and better protect their staff and vehicles by putting safe driving policies in place.

“We all know that the cost of road crashes in New Zealand is too high, both in human and dollar terms. Adopting a formal safe driving policy is a simple and effective way for companies to reduce the risk of crashes, lower their spending on fuel through better travel planning and safer, more efficient driving, and improve their bottom line.

“Safe driving policies are easy to set up and the pay-offs can be huge - not only in the direct savings from fewer crashes and fuel savings, but also by improving your company’s reputation in the community and improving staff health and morale. This guide has sound advice for every New Zealand company with staff who drive, from large corporations to the smallest business.”

Debbie Stearns, ACC Injury Prevention Programme Manager said ACC was pleased to be working with Land Transport NZ to create and deliver a resource that will potentially reduce injuries and save lives on the roads.

“We estimate that one third of accidents on the road are work related. For employers and employees to take a stand to reduce these largely preventable injuries is a very positive step."

Your Safe Driving Policy provides step-by-step guidance and profiles organisations that have made progress on road safety and efficiency. These include:

• Massey University – introduced a programme to combat driver fatigue
• New Zealand Steel – promoting road safety to staff and the community
• Fulton Hogan Bay of Plenty – taking steps to cut fuel consumption
• LG Anderson – encouraging driver involvement in safety training and initiatives.

To order a copy of Your Safe Driving Policy call the Land Transport NZ helpdesk on 0800 699 000, or download a copy from www.landtransport.govt.nz.

For more information
Andy Knackstedt
Media Manager
Land Transport New Zealand
Ph: 04 931 8829  or  0212 763 222