Fleet operator question: persuading fleet drivers to properly collect evidence

I despair of my company’s drivers. Apart from hitting invisible bollards with alarming frequency, they often only get half the details required – either no driver name or company name of the person to blame, incomplete address or no vehicle registration number or it is wrong. They can’t tell a dark blue VW Passat from a black Mondeo and they sometimes don’t bother to get witness details as they seem to think that a head on collision is an open and shut case! Any ideas? MM Edinburgh

The roadside lawyer answers:

WELL FIRSTLY the carrot or stick principle can be useful.  Some companies impose an internal excess on their drivers which is repayable if the company recovers all its losses – this may have some employment law implications so get legal advice on the point.  Alternatively, if the driver does all that he or she should, a small financial incentive can work.

The first guideline is to record all the information. Provide them with a single number where they can get accident assistance. Instruct them to get photos of everything including number plates. If you're not a Crashguard member with all that provides, mobile phone pictures are better than nothing (but not much better than nothing!). Even when your driver is at fault, these photos will help your solicitor advise on liability and assist your insurers to deal with the other driver’s claim.

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