Managing speed when driving for work - ScORSA Member Insight

Managing speed when driving for work - ScORSA member insight

We’re continuing our monthly Q&A series spotlighting real insight from ScORSA members and practitioners managing occupational road risk.

This month, we spoke to Duncan McNicol, Head of Risk & Compliance at City Building Engineering Services, about managing speed when driving for work.

1. In a large organisation managing a fleet, why is speed management such an important part of occupational road risk?
   "Speed management is essential because it directly influences collision likelihood, severity of impact, and driver behaviour across our fleet. Monitoring speed also provides clear indicators of risk-taking and non-compliant habits, allowing opportunities for early intervention. As a large fleet operator, CBES have stringent statutory duties under road traffic law and health and safety regulations, requiring safe systems of work. Effective speed control therefore protects our people, the public, and our legal and operational integrity."
2. What is one practical step organisations can take to encourage safer speeds among employees who drive for work?
   "A practical step is implementing telematics with clear, constructive feedback. At CBES, this promotes safer speeds by identifying behaviour indicators such as repeated speeding or harsh acceleration. Crucially, through engaging directly with our drivers - principally through coaching, conversations, and positive reinforcement - we see through our data, meaningful change. In fact it’s a key element of our road risk strategy combined with a clear policy and recognition for safe driving. These support our obligations to manage road risk like any other occupational hazard and strengthens our safety culture."
3. From a risk and compliance perspective, what are the consequences for organisations if speeding isn’t properly managed?
   "If speeding isn’t properly managed, the biggest risk is simple: people can get hurt. Our drivers, their passengers, and other road users face far greater chances of serious injury, and the impact on families and colleagues can be life-changing. Beyond that, we could face major reputational damage and real risk to the business through subsequent legal, financial, and operational fallout. It may sound trite, however managing speed is about protecting people first, and everything else follows if there’s a frequent lens on this."

The message is clear - managing speed is fundamental to protecting people, strengthening compliance and reducing occupational road risk.