The Managing Director of Ford of Britain, Andy Barratt, says driving should be seen as a core skill for business and a health and safety responsibility for all organisations in the public and private sector.

Taking on a new role as Chairman of IAM RoadSmart, Barratt launched a revamped IAM RoadSmart Manifesto that highlights the seven areas where the organisation believes it can make the most impact in reducing the number of people killed and injured on UK roads.

With an emphasis on the potential that improved driver and rider behaviour could have on the safety of the UK’s roads, the Manifesto acknowledges the importance of driving to the economy and business, describing road safety at work as a “critical health and safety issue that requires much higher priority”. The Manifesto will form the basis of a submission from IAM RoadSmart to the House of Commons Transport Committee Inquiry into Road Safety.

“In my roles at Ford, developing safe vehicles is the number one priority,” said Barratt. “In taking the Chair of IAM RoadSmart, my focus will be to ensure that human factors are high on the road safety agenda in order to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on roads in the UK.”

IAM RoadSmart’s Manifesto focuses on the importance of boosting the confidence of drivers and making it an enjoyable activity, while keeping everyone safe at the same time. Embracing all stages of a driving and riding career from immediate post-test into older age, the Manifesto underlines the importance of periodic refresher courses. It also includes extending driver rehabilitation after a conviction for a wider variety of motoring convictions.

View the full Manifesto.