BSC

The British Safety Council has launched a new qualification for people who work as drivers, with an aim to keep the roads safe.

According to the UK Government, around 1,713 people died on the road in 2013, with the total number of casualties reaching 183,670.

The new qualification, Level 2 Award in Safe Driving at Work, provides learners with information about the important hazards and risks associated with driving.

British Safety Council CEO Alex Botha said: "Driving can be a risky activity, a fact borne out by the high number of injuries and fatalities that occur annually on our roads.

"However, simple steps can be taken by employers and drivers to manage and reduce this risk.

"Our new Level 2 Award in Safe Driving at Work provides learners with all the essential knowledge to help them stay safe on the roads.

"Our new Level 2 Award in Safe Driving at Work provides learners with all the essential knowledge to help them stay safe on the roads."

"Learners can expect to leave the qualification with a thorough knowledge of the main risks posed by driving, whether to themselves or other road users, and how to reduce them."

The qualification also teaches them how to reduce the risks through vehicle inspection, behaviour and defensive driving.

To use the qualification, employers or training centres must register with British Safety Council, following which they will receive the training materials for both teachers and students.

Botha added: "Safer driving habits should also feed through into workers’ personal lives, providing employers with a valuable corporate social responsibility tool to help make our roads safer in and out of work."

Image: British Safety Council’s new qualification will help drivers avoid risks on roads. Photo: courtesy of British Safety Council.