Navigating our roadways can be fraught with danger, a fact underscored by the National Safety Council's revelation that 40% of workplace fatalities result from vehicle accidents. Furthermore, a staggering 80% of vehicle accidents are related to distracted driving. Given these startling statistics, fleet safety takes on pivotal importance for any fleet operator.
As fleet managers, ensuring the safety of your drivers, your organization, and others on the road is paramount. Here are eight essential fleet safety tips to help you build a safer fleet and improve driver performance.
1. Hire drivers with clean records
The foundation of a safe fleet is safe drivers. When recruiting drivers for your fleet, ensure they possess an appropriate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a clean driving record.
Evaluating your drivers' habits before hiring them can significantly enhance your fleet's safety. This is particularly important for new drivers who have very few references or little experience to evaluate. This process should be thorough and include background checks, driving history reviews, and even personality assessments to gauge their suitability for the role.
2. Continuous training
Having a CDL indicates that your drivers can operate a commercial vehicle safely. However, continuous training is crucial to reinforce safe driving practices and keep them updated with the latest safety protocols. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death and injury in the workplace.
“the cost of a single accident could easily exceed $1.4 million”
Your fleet’s training program should cover defensive driving techniques, understanding road rules, signs, and signals, managing fatigue, and dealing with emergencies on the road.
3. Monitor your drivers to identify unsafe habits
Implementing a system that monitors your drivers' habits can significantly enhance driver safety. Tools like Aware360’s iDriveAware app-based solution score your fleet’s driving behavior based on factors like harsh acceleration, braking, sharp turns, speeding, phone movement, jerking, and swerving.
This data can help identify areas where additional training is needed to improve driver behavior. Regular feedback and coaching sessions for the entire fleet can help drivers understand areas for improvement and encourage safer driving habits.
4. Ensure regular vehicle maintenance
Keeping your fleet's vehicles roadworthy is as crucial as ensuring your drivers are safe behind the wheel.
Regular preventive vehicle maintenance checks can ensure accidents or breakdowns caused by mechanical issues are avoidable, thus saving you money in the long run. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 20% of all traffic accidents are caused in some way by poor maintenance or a lack thereof.
Well-maintained motor vehicles are not only safer but also more efficient, reducing fuel costs and minimizing harmful emissions.
5. Limit distractions
Distracted driving is a serious issue, especially with easy access to mobile devices. Approximately 25-30% of deadly road accidents are linked to distracted driving. App-based solutions like LifeSaver Mobile can help limit distractions while driving. Encouraging drivers to take regular breaks, avoid eating while driving, and keep their focus on the road can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
6. Develop and enforce a comprehensive fleet safety program
Comprehensive fleet safety programs are key to managing a safe and efficient fleet. This program should include clear policies on safety rules, regular vehicle maintenance, driver training, and accident reporting procedures. It should also outline the consequences of violating these policies to ensure they are taken seriously by new and existing fleet drivers.
7. Utilize technology to improve fleet safety
Advancements in technology have provided fleet managers with tools to monitor driver behavior, track vehicle maintenance, and even prevent distracted driving. Utilizing these tools can provide valuable insights into your fleet operations and help identify areas for improvement.
When effectively implemented, safety solutions like those offered by Aware360 can help you protect your personnel, assets, and operations, and can be the key difference between a safe and unsafe work environment.
8. Regularly review and update your fleet safety procedures and programs
Fleet safety is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Regularly reviewing and updating your fleet safety program ensures it remains effective and relevant. This includes staying updated on the latest safety regulations, industry best practices, and technological advancements.
Take control of fleet safety with Aware360
Building a safer fleet involves a comprehensive approach that includes hiring the right drivers, providing continuous training, monitoring driver habits, ensuring regular vehicle maintenance, and limiting distractions. However, managing all these aspects can be challenging. That's where Aware360 comes in.
At Aware360, we understand the complexities of fleet safety management and offer solutions designed to address these challenges. Our tools, like iDriveAware and LifeSaver Mobile, are designed to enhance driver safety, limit distractions on the road, and curb unsafe driving habits. By choosing Aware360, you're not just investing in tools but also partnering with a team dedicated to the safety and well-being of your drivers.
Take the first step towards building a safer fleet with Aware360 today. Get in touch and discover how our solutions can help you create a culture of safety within your fleet.
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