According to a new study, more than a third (39 percent) of UK van drivers have admitted to driving more carefully when operating their personal vehicles.

The research, conducted among light commercial vehicle (LCV) drivers by TomTom, found 67 percent of those who said they were more careful did so to save money on fuel and vehicle wear and tear and 29 percent because of the absence of working time pressures.

In addition, 59 percent said they were more likely to speed or take risks in their work vehicles as a result of working time pressures.

"A significant proportion of at-work drivers demonstrate clear awareness of the benefits of safe, efficient driving, which is applied in their personal vehicles – but working pressures are adversely affecting performance," said Thomas Schmidt, TomTom Business Solutions’ managing director. "Inefficient practice will have a negative impact on business profitability, as a result of higher fuel costs, lower productivity and an increased number of accidents. The onus is on employers to take action by encouraging higher standards behind the wheel and minimising the time pressures facing mobile workers."

The study also found that three-quarters (75 percent) of respondents admitted to speeding in their work vehicles, with 24 percent doing so regularly.

"Greener, safer, more efficient driving practices require businesses to collaborate with their drivers," added Thomas. "Appropriate fleet management technology can play a major role in this, offering clear management information and helping to raise awareness of responsible driving by providing real-time feedback to drivers. This not only provides transparency on performance standards being measured but can also help companies target driver training where it is most needed."

However, only 20 percent of respondents said their company provides training to help them drive more safely and efficiently and just 35 percent claim their employers use technology to monitor driving performance and fuel efficiency.