SHzoom’s Monthly Minute
7 Ways to Develop & Implement an Effective Fleet Safety Program
Dec 1, 2022 | This article was originally published on Automotive Fleet
It’s no secret – the road can be a dangerous place. In 2020, over 5 million traffic accidents occurred on US roadways*. And with more than 11 million commercial vehicles currently on the road**, ensuring the safety of your drivers and vehicles today means preventing the accidents of tomorrow.
Use the checklist below to kick-start your fleet safety program or enhance the plan you currently have in place.
1. Establish Safety Policies and Procedures
Having the right policies and procedures in place helps to enforce the importance of fleet safety and sets the right expectations early and often.
2. Create an Accident Response Plan
Knowing how to react when an accident happens is key. A good response plan details how drivers should respond and react as well as the following:
- Methods of retaining evidence and documents
- Post-accident communication procedures
- Compassionate workplace support
- Legal assistance processes, if necessary
3. Implement a Vehicle Maintenance Schedule
Take time to establish and implement a consistent vehicle maintenance schedule. Daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections and repairs can help keep costs down while ensuring vehicle safety and roadworthiness, which leads to increased fleet productivity and efficiency.
4. Conduct Employee Screening
The employees behind the wheels of your vehicles are literally the driving force of your business. Having reliable drivers on board starts with setting up strong screening processes that include:
- Criminal background checks
- Drug/alcohol screening
- Traffic violation screenings
- Physical examinations
5. Utilize the Right Tools and Software
The right tools and software can make fleet management all that much easier. Between telematics, dashcams and fleet automation solutions, it becomes easier to prioritize what matters most, including:
- Detecting and repairing vehicle maintenance issues early
- Automatically taking vehicles out of service through remote immobilization
- Digitizing keys to maximize driver and vehicle security
6. Develop a Driver Training and Coaching Curriculum
Creating a comprehensive driving training program helps drivers understand what dangerous road behavior looks like, how it impacts the organization and how to prevent future accidents.
7. Create a Positive, Collaborative Culture
A culture that focuses and promotes fleet safety is a healthy culture. Reward positive driving behavior accordingly and correct risky behavior in a constructive, polite manner. Knowing the difference between behaviors that need a subtle reminder and those that warrant more serious disciplinary action is critical to sustainable improvements.
