subject: Show Your Customers Road Safety Is Important [print this page] One of the high priority issues with both the public sector and those who drive professionally is road safety. Since the number of vehicles is ever increasing on the roads, the number of accidents have naturally increased as well. The road safety today depends on how well drivers are taught reaction time, as well as the proper safety precautions.
Taxi drivers are beginning to see that taking this training is very helpful. Not only does it tell their customers they are concerned with safety, but they have passed the Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) training. This training sets its standards very high. Certain areas in the UK have already instigated requirements for this training for all taxi drivers.
Whether you operate within one of these areas or not, you can opt to go ahead and take it now. The taxi insurance companies often give discounts for drivers who have taken this advanced training. For those who own a taxi service, it would be a great idea to get your drivers into this program. Once they have passed this is just one more achievement that you can use to show your taxi service cares about their customer's safety.
If you are not aware of the fact, there were national averages released in 2007 that showed only about 50% of the people taking this test passed. Of the ones who did not, roughly two-thirds had made serious errors. There is a misconception among taxi drivers that they do not need training since they drive all day, every day.
Should these drivers have to take a driving test again, more than likely they would fail?
The fact is it just takes one lapse in judgement or mistake to cause a fatal accident. The way people drive is developed over their years of driving and often they do not pay as much attention as they should. It never hurts, especially for those who drive for a living to hone up on their driving skills.
One program developed by the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) for taxi drivers is the Diamond Advanced Motorists. They provide information and training for taxi drivers.
There have been some new laws passed for taxi drivers. Each locality within the UK does not have the same requirements for a taxi driver to renew their licenses.
Those who pass this advanced training get several benefits. For one, they will receive discounted taxi insurance. As well as showing they are doing all they can to ensure the passengers they carry are provided with safer drivers.
Since laws change constantly, taxi driver need to be aware of this for safety and insurance purposes. When passing this certification the driver becomes a member of the Masterdriver Club.
As long as they are a member they are required to have their driving skills updated every three years. This will help to keep the taxi insurance premiums at a reasonable price as the risk of being involved in an accident is potentially greatly reduced.
