Staff are being offered driving courses to encourage safer driving practices and to ensure they set a safe example on the road without causing themselves or members of the public injury. Although the 30,000 people who work for the Council are encouraged to use public transport whenever possible, there are times when vehicles need to be used for carrying equipment for example, or for site visits or simply because public transport is not available. In an average year, County Council staff are involved in over 300 road accidents - the equivalent of one in every hundred staff.
Human behaviour is without doubt the dominant factor in the cause of accidents.
In 70 per cent of all accidents it has been shown to be the only factor. When people have been using the roads for many years they might consider themselves to be confident, competent and safe drivers, but they soon discover there are still plenty of tips and driving techniques to develop and learn. As did County Surveyor John Ekins when he attended one of the new courses, which are run by Driving Standards Agency qualified instructors. Like all those attending the course, Mr Ekins received a comprehensive assessment report detailing weak points to build on and observational hazards to be aware of, such as coping with roundabouts and observation. This page produced by Caroline Foley of Hampshire County Council Chief Executive's Department .