Most fleets take safety very seriously, not only because it is part of their legal responsibility as a Duty of Care but due to the moral commitment they make to protecting their employees at work.

However, even the most conscientious business can benefit from new ideas – and that’s why Road Safety Week, held annually by road safety charity Brake, is so important. It creates new impetus to consider your fleet and the risks it faces.

Being held this year on 18-24 November, the theme is “Step up for Safe Streets” and is intended to help all road users find out about new design-led solutions that allow people to get around in safe and healthy ways.

Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns for Brake, said: “Road Safety Week provides a unique opportunity every year to focus public, organisational and policy-maker attention on the importance of road safety. With someone being killed or seriously injured on a British road every 20 minutes, each one a preventable tragedy, there is still huge progress to be made.”

The design-based solutions championed by Brake are intended to promote ideas for the UK’s road transport network so that human error doesn’t result in death or serious injury.

Joshua said: “This approach of safety-by-design is known as ‘safe systems’ and the great news is that the solutions are known and available to us now. From safety technology in vehicles to speed limits that reflect the safety of the roads, we can all step up to learn about, shout about and celebrate these proven solutions.”

Mark Bromhall, road safety manager at Royal Mail Group, takes part in the initiative and said: “Road Safety Week provides us with an important focal point to engage our staff, whether they drive fleet vehicles or for personal use. It helps us show staff, customers and the local communities we serve, how road safety is embedded into our culture.”

If you’d like to find out more, a free online action pack of tips, ideas and downloadable resources is available at www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/action-pack.