Fleet operators can make significant financial savings if they put more effort into risk management.

Many logistics firms were crippled by the recession and some of those that did survive were forced to take drastic measures to reduce their outgoings.

According to road safety charity Brake, at-work crashes are costing UK businesses £2.7 billion a year and fleet vehicle insurance claims can be four to 15 times more expensive than direct repair costs.

As such, it is vital managers take steps to reduce the likelihood of accidents, which could mean committing more resources to driver training or fitting vehicles with safety devices.

While these suggestions are obviously expensive, the chances are companies will save money in the long run.

Roz Cumming, professional engagement manager at Brake, said: "Happily … investing in fleet safety will help to save lives and money through crash prevention. Even minor collisions can be very expensive for fleets."