VOLUNTARY drivers across Worcestershire are being urged to pick up a copy of a new handbook to help them avoid accidents and injuries.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Volunteer Driver's Handbook offers advice and reassurance to the thousands of community-spirited people who give their time freely to voluntary organisations.

Like business, voluntary organisations have a duty of care under health and safety laws to ensure the safety of their staff, passengers and anyone else affected by their activities. They should have policies in place to make sure that risks are properly identified and managed.

The new handbook has sections on key driving issues including journey planning, fitness to drive including the effects of drink, medicines and fatigue, safe speed, seatbelts, distractions, vehicle safety and emergency procedures.

It also encourages volunteer drivers to check the detail of their organisation's road risk policies.

Road safety officer Duncan Vernon said: "The new handbook gives volunteer drivers something they can easily refer to so they can see what their organisation is doing to keep them safe on the road. It gives information on some key issues that volunteer drivers need to be aware of such as the use of mobile phones at the wheel and keeping passengers safe. We hope it will be a useful tool for volunteers and their organisations to work through together."

Produced with the support of the Department for Transport, the handbook has been sent to voluntary organisations and road safety officers. It is also available as a free download at www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/volunteer_drivers.pdf