When driving a vehicle you are not only taking your own life into your hands, but also the lives of your passengers and of other drivers with whom you share the road.  If someone would happen to perish due to negligence on your part while you were behind the wheel, you could be charged with Corporate manslaughter.  While this is considered a misdemeanour charge, the action still carries severe penalties and the weight of guilt that you will have to bear for the rest of your life.  The term “vehicular manslaughter” is often used in accidental death cases where the defendant is being prosecuted for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and usually includes a lesser infraction such as driving on a suspended or without a license, and a charge of negligence.

Offences such as corporate manslaughter does not usually require the perpetrator of the crime to have criminal intent.  In other words, they did not premeditate the crime; it was due to their negligence instead.  For this reason, operating a motor vehicle of any sort while under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs that could cause drowsiness and alcohol carry very stiff penalties which include fines, loss of driving privileges and jail time.

It is worth reminding anyone who is connected with a company, which has vehicles and drivers, that they are now subject to the Corporate Manslaughter Bill which became law on the 6th April 2008. Fleet operators and others, if they have not already done so, should familiarise themselves will the risks associated when operating vehicles as part of their business.

Bill Plant, which is one of the UK’s leading Occupational Road Risk Management and Driver Training specialists, can provide up to the minute training and advice on the risks that are involved, not only in the field of Occupational Road Risk Management and Consultancy but also driver training to a very high standard. By taking part in this Fleetcraft Training, your company will see lower fleet operating costs, a reduction in accident rates as well as improved fuel economy. Reduce your costs and road risk by contacting us now, for your Corporate Driver Training.

Corporate Manslaughter training  is really about saving lives. Statistics show that more people are killed at work than are killed in the wars. Remember, you as an Employer are responsible when your staff drive a company vehicle. Fleet manager’s need to pay special attention to the Corporate Manslaughter Act. This is where Corporate Manslaughter Training comes in and is offered by Bill Plant Fleetcraft.

The  Corporate Manslaughter Act is not the easiest UK law to follow, this is why Fleetcraft offer specific training on the subject.  Organisation’s can be found guilty and effectively charged with Corporate Manslaughter if they do not protect themselves and train their employee’s appropriately.

It’s a frightening fact but more people are killed when at work each year than in the wars. The UK have gone to great lengths to do something about this problem which is why the law has responded with the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act which here at Bill Plant Driving School we feel it is important for you to be aware of.

The legislation itself seems to be a great improvement on that of the past and makes it easier for companies who are simply not taking care to make sure their driver’s are safe to be convicted more easily.

Basically, companies out there that have good safety policies should not live in fear of the new law. But let’s face it as a company how many times do you review your safety policies and are you really confident that you have the necessary procedures in place to make your staff safe?

Here is where Bill Plant can help you.  Look at our Occupational Road Risk Management section in the Fleetcraft section of the driving school website. The reduction of driving accidents through fleet operation training has already been proven.

Protection of your company is essential and the backup from experienced consultants is paramount. Corporate driver training is not just the phrase of the moment it can potentially be life saving.

An article published in the Times on Thursday 25th October 2007 drew attention to the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act coming in to effect on April 6, 2008 which will affect all companies regardless of their size.

The Times article pointed out that employers will face prosecution over crashes that involve the 3 million company cars and the 1 million employees whose own cars that are used on company business. In this latter category, employers have a duty to ensure that the employees own vehicle is properly insured for business use, has a current MOT certificate and is regularly maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

It is a know fact that driving when part of ones job is the most dangerous of all work related activities, with over one third of UK accidents involving someone driving for work, it is sobering to note that 150 deaths and serious injuries are incurred in accidents involving someone driving for business each week.

Regrettably, there will always be accidents involving motor vehicles, but research has shown that drivers who have participated in fleet training are far less likely to be involved in an accident, with the added benefit of less wear and tear on the vehicle and a reduced fuel consumption. Driving at work is a high risk activity and the time to act is now.