ways2work > How to do it > Re-thinking commuting > What we could do differently > Re-thinking cars for work
Re-thinking cars for work
Cars are vital to our society and to the UK economy. We recognise that however there are many occasions when we can use alternatives – such as more sustainable forms of travelling or using technology to reduce travel – but there isn’t always an alternative.
When travel by car is necessary there are still ways that we can reduce the environmental impact by choosing less polluting vehicles and ensuring that the vehicle is well maintained. We can also drive better which reduces our fuel use.
Cars used for commuting don’t just cost their owners but they cost businesses too – whether that’s through the costs associated with providing car parking, from the lost time due to employees getting stuck in traffic and the stress and inactivity that can result from driving to and from work which can have an adverse effect on employee wellbeing (and hence productivity and absence rates). With 69% of UK employees commuting to work by car, that’s a lot of cars on the road and a lot of land given over to car parking.
1000 people each year are killed whilst driving to, from or for work. Whilst the safety of the employee commuting to work is not the responsibility of the organisation (whereas there is a responsibility for business travel) there is nevertheless a significant business impact should commuters be involved in crashes.
Driving for better business - contact DfBB to find out more about safe and efficient driving for work and on business