Transport planning bosses keen to improve cost reduction and boost annual revenues may take inspiration from the success of one European company.
Home delivery firm Hermes has been awarded "business champion" status by the UK government on account of its industry-leading safe driving standards.
The company recorded a 41 per cent reduction in accidents across its commercial vehicle fleet in 2009, as well a 109 per cent improvement in accident-free days.
As a result, Hermes has benefited from a major reduction in vehicle downtime, maintenance and replacement costs, helping to boost its bottom line.
The firm's chief executive Carole Woodhead, who led the drive to improve safety at the company, said she was "delighted" with the results.
"Hermes has successfully achieved year-on-year growth in volume, revenue, market share and profit," she commented.
"This success stems largely from a change in management culture which addressed … the need to manage those driving on behalf of the business more thoroughly."
Earlier this week, road safety charity Brake urged transport operators in Britain to sign up to a voluntary code of practice launched by campaign group Reflect.
The guidelines encourage all firms to fit retro-reflective markings to HGV vehicles to help increase visibility and improve safety.
