7 Key Elements Of An Effective Company Driver and Fleet Safety Program

Jul 30, 2020 | Business Insurance

Every business implements safety awareness for its employees. It aims to have a zero-accident report inside or outside its working environment. It’s not only because of the high costs but also the negative outcome it draws back to the company. Being involved in damages and risks to others’ lives and properties induces bad publicity, operational downtime, and possible lawsuits.

The Fleet Safety Program’s goal is to impart the importance and continuous monitoring of safety. Fleets must invest in this kind of system to avoid the above-mentioned problems in the future. To achieve the purpose of this project, every person and requirement must comply. Below are the essential elements to achieve the effectiveness of this program to the main reason for this training- the fleet drivers.    

1. Screen the right driver

Recruiting the right company driver for the job is something to be careful of. In order to retain positive results of the fleet safety program, screen the drivers thoroughly. Building a team of drivers who are responsible and prioritize safety as part of their job is the main point of this training.

Upon hiring, look into details of each driver like their MVR or motor vehicle records, employment record, violations history, and drug test result. Set your standards during recruitment to avoid hiring unreliable and unsafe drivers. The improved recruiting process will gain profit for the business by retaining drivers who comply with the company’s vision together with other fleet drivers.

2. Run an in-depth training

Setting up the right training for your fleet drivers will enhance safe driving habits and standard driving procedures that everyone must follow. Choose a fleet training school that is reliable with a program of comprehensive training that covers all the necessary approaches and routines.

The said training must ensure the information given is well understood including instructions for strategies and defensive driving. Understanding the techniques comes with knowing safety policies and processes that will reduce potential accidents on the road and improve business operations.

3. Observe good behavior and performance

Observing the performance of the drivers if they are consistent in showing the right behavior to adapt the training to their work is one of the keys to ensuring that this program is effective. Monitoring regularly is a must to track records of accidents and inspection reports to prevent losses and cause liabilities to other parties. 

Checking the performance of the vehicle driver would confirm overspeeding, cornering, and drastic acceleration and braking. You must conduct a review to track the driver’s record to ensure that safety guidelines are met.

4. Reward accomplishments

Active participation from the drivers will sustain the effectiveness of this training. A good way to continuously implement the virtues of the fleet safety program is to give rewards. It motivates them to perform well in their job to achieve that. Being recognized for a job well done compensates for the hard work they have contributed.

You could give incentives based on the consistent practice of what they’ve learned. It could be monetary or not such as giving bonuses for the safest driver of the month or adding vacation time to relax. Contented and happy drivers will improve more with regard to safety and reliability. It also helps reduce absenteeism as they’d prefer to work harder to bag rewards.

5. Maintain safe vehicles 

The first thing you need is to choose safe fleet equipment. It will save you money if you will choose brands that won’t let you down such as selecting tires. Doing vehicle inspections before and after the trip will prolong its life and will prevent downtimes. Ensure its safety and in good shape built as it is an essential part of the fleet safety program. Do the necessary repair as much as possible to prevent breakdowns that will delay operations.

Maintaining your vehicles’ performance will save money and time for your business since some of the causes of road accidents are due to maintenance issues. It will also prevent bad remarks and will boost the company’s image. Having a company driver safety program, and getting them involved in simple inspection makes for best practice.

6. Adapting to new technology

The newest technology creates a big impact on businesses today. Including it in the fleet safety program is a big help in monitoring your driver’s performance and real-time situation during work hours. 

Telematics, video technology, and other software systems will alert you of events that need your utmost attention. 

Using this technology will protect your investment and reduce your workload since it already pictures the actual scenario of what’s going on off the road. It also improves fuel efficiency and shows metrics that are useful in fleet management. It’s an advantage that a smart company must avail to meet the fast-paced changes that technology has brought to the world of business.

7.Constantly implement safety

Implementation of safety doesn’t stop in the training. It should be done regularly and perform the essential elements in a continuous state. Share safety tips frequently with your employees and attend seminars to support the program’s aim of incorporating the importance of safety to the company’s employees.

 You can even start a program that recognizes and highlights a driver’s safe driving that will motivate them to do good at work. A requalification course annually may be essential to continue the goal and conduct an evaluation for each driver with an on-the-road driving assessment. Conduct discussions and stress out their strengths and weaknesses to improve their field.

All of these elements, when implemented properly, will surely attain an effective fleet safety program among the drivers. Ensuring that these are met eventually conveys the concept that the management wants his employees to perceive. Investing in the program is worth the price and effort for the better profitability of the business. 

The management’s commitment to continue what it started is highly essential to make this training work for everyone. Motivations will come from the upper management down to the most important level of the production floor – the employees. Reinforce the importance of safety in their everyday routines to show that you don’t only care for the growth of the business but more, your genuine concern for their safety as well.

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