Het mentorsysteem : veelbelovend ? : voor- en nadelen en praktische implicaties van een mentorsysteem als integraal onderdeel van het schadepreventiebeleid van vervoersmaatschappijen.

This report considers a mentor system as a periodical examination of all the drivers including novice drivers, in the following fields: driving skill, safe driving behaviour, and customer awareness. The practical consequences of a mentor system for Dutch transport companies are studied. Interviews that are not structured in advance were conducted among experienced drivers and representatives of a number of important parties involved. The results of the interviews about the possible introduction of a mentor system show that a guidance system offers optimal returns (low damage pattern, reduced absenteeism, and fuel consumption). An essential condition for this is that the company culture is based on mutual respect and good cooperation at all levels. However, a mentor system as a separate element of a quality policy which is only aimed at taking driving skill tests, offers less return. The `added value' of a mentor system for transport companies will be mainly of economic significance. Companies with a strongly developed safety ethos and practice, or companies that act with environmental awareness, already apply a form of guidance system and hence exhibit a damage picture that lies far below the national average. The `added value' for road safety may still be achieved through improvements in their system.