Unlocking Excellence in Road Safety Management

Every year, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shines a spotlight on the individuals, communities, and organisations making a real difference on our roads with their ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ awards. With nominations for the 2025 awards now open, it is a perfect time to celebrate these champions. But for every Irish business, it should also be a moment for serious reflection.

This applies not only to professional HGV drivers or sales reps in company cars but to any employee driving for work. This includes:

• An office administrator using their own car to go to the bank or post office.
• A technician driving between client sites.
• A manager travelling to a meeting in another county.

According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), managing the risks associated with driving for work is a legal requirement, just like managing the risks of machinery or hazardous substances in a factory. A failure to do so can have devastating human consequences and severe legal and financial repercussions for the business.

The Makings of a ‘Leading Light’ Business

So, what separates a business that is merely compliant from one that is a genuine leader in road safety? It is a holistic, proactive culture that is embedded in the organisation from the top down. Here are the core components.

1. A Rock-Solid ‘Driving for Work’ Policy

This is the foundation. A comprehensive, written policy is non-negotiable. It is a living document that sets out the company’s commitment and clear rules for everyone. A best-in-class policy will always include:

• Clear Responsibilities: Who is responsible for what, from senior management down to the individual driver.
• Driver Fitness & Health: Clear guidelines on fatigue, medication, alcohol and drugs, and the importance of eyesight tests.
• Journey Planning: Procedures for assessing the need for travel and planning routes to avoid hazards and build in adequate rest breaks.
• Mobile Phone Usage: A strict, unambiguous policy that goes beyond the letter of the law, often banning even hands-free use while the vehicle is in motion.
• The ‘Grey Fleet’: Specific rules for employees who use their own vehicles for work, including requirements for insurance, NCT, and vehicle maintenance.

2. Proactive Vehicle Safety & Management

A ‘Leading Light’ organisation knows that a valid NCT is the bare legal minimum, not the goal. Their vehicle management programme is far more rigorous.

• Regular Checks: Implementing a system of mandatory, driver-led daily walk-around checks before a vehicle is used.
• Scheduled Maintenance: A strict, preventative maintenance schedule that adheres to or exceeds manufacturer recommendations.
• Safety Features: Prioritising the procurement of vehicles with high Euro NCAP safety ratings and modern safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

3. Continuous Driver Training & Wellbeing

Holding a valid driving licence is the starting point, not the full extent of a driver’s competence. Leading businesses invest in their drivers.

• Advanced Training: Providing periodic training in areas like defensive driving, eco-driving, or specialised training for operating specific vehicles.
• Fatigue Management: Actively managing work schedules to prevent driver fatigue, a factor in as many as 1 in 5 driver deaths in Ireland, according to the RSA.
• Supporting Driver Health: Creating a culture where drivers feel able to report health issues or stress that could affect their ability to drive safely, without fear of penalty.

ISO 39001 The Gold Standard for Road Safety Leaders

While a strong policy and good practices are essential, the ultimate commitment to road safety is demonstrated through the implementation of a formal Road Traffic Safety (RTS) Management System. The internationally recognised standard for this is ISO 39001.

ISO 39001 provides a strategic framework for an organisation to analyse, control, and improve its road safety performance. It uses the same ‘Plan-Do-Check-Act’ methodology as other major ISO standards, helping you to:

• Establish a clear RTS policy and objectives.
• Systematically identify risks and opportunities related to road traffic safety.
• Implement programmes to achieve your safety targets.
• Monitor and measure your performance.
• Continually improve your system to reduce death and serious injury on the road.

Achieving this standard, a process overseen in Ireland by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), is a powerful statement. It tells your staff, your clients, and your community that you are a true ‘Leading Light’ in every sense of the word.

Nominate a Champion, and Become One Yourself

• The RSA’s ‘Leading Lights’ awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes of road safety in your business or community. We strongly encourage you to think about who you could nominate before the deadline.

  Authoritative Link: You can find all the details and submit your nomination on the RSA’s ‘Leading Lights’ announcement page.

  More importantly, let this be the catalyst for your own organisation’s journey. Use this moment to review your ‘Driving for Work’ policies and ask: “Are we doing enough? Could we be a ‘Leading Light’?”

Let Acornstar Guide Your Journey to Road Safety Excellence

• Managing ‘Driving for Work’ is a complex but non-negotiable part of your overall health and safety obligations. From developing a robust policy to implementing a world-class management system like ISO 39001, a structured approach is essential.If you are ready to move beyond basic compliance and transform your organisation into a leader in road traffic safety, contact the expert team at Acornstar for a no-obligation consultation.