Managing a fleet is a multi-faceted operation and can often be complex. One of the many components of driver safety is ensuring all drivers are medically fit to operate a vehicle.
Concerns have been raised over how many drivers are medically unfit to drive; something that is now backed by new data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). According to recent analysis courtesy of LeaseLoco, the DVLA revealed that nearly 650,000 UK drivers (646,972) have had their driving licences revoked for medical reasons since 2014.
New figures have revealed the top reasons why drivers are stripped of their licences on health grounds by the DVLA – with alcohol dependency at the top of the list, and conditions such as heart problems, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease featuring prominently.
In the first four months of this year, more than 23,000 UK drivers (23,060) have already lost their licence due to medical conditions, with 20,255 car or motorcycle (Group 1) and 2,805 lorry or bus (Group 2) licences being medically revoked.
John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, says: “Since the start of 2014, more than 650,000 drivers have had their licences revoked due to medical reasons. But this could be just the tip of the iceberg.
“How many people are driving with medical conditions they haven’t reported?
“You can be fined up to £1,000 for not informing the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving, but is that really a strong enough deterrent?
“With so many of us relying on our cars for work and leisure, some drivers may think it’s worth the risk to stay silent. For them, surrendering their licence could mean losing their mobility, their job, and the ability to visit family and friends.”
Implications for fleet managers
These statistics raise to the forefront just how important it is to carry out regular licence checks. As a fleet manager, licence checking is one of your top responsibilities, if not the most important. Keep your fleet safe by regularly checking every driver’s licence before the driver operates one of your company vehicles.
Ensuring your drivers are medically fit is also a key factor in building a safety culture in your workplace, which, in turn, is a huge benefit to the general safety in your organisation. Get in touch if you’d like more advice on how to enhance your fleet safety and protect your drivers.
