A fleet safety program acts as a thin line between smooth-sailing and costly, claim-laden fleet operations. Whether you own a small or large fleet, these programs enhance the safety and efficiency of your fleet, improving daily operations and overall profitability.
Components of a fleet safety program
A fleet safety program is only as effective as what it covers. Include the following main components of a fleet safety program in your plan:
Driver identification
An effective safety fleet safety program should define who’s authorized to operate company-owned vehicles both on and off the clock and why.
A comprehensive screening process
Without safe, reliable drivers, even a perfectly curated fleet safety program will be no good. Establish a well-thought-out and thorough screening process to guide you in hiring the best.
A driver training program
Even with reliable drivers, a fleet safety program without proper driver training will be of no use. Include mandatory fleet safety training to ensure each driver is well-versed with your safety policies and fleet procedures.
Management commitment
The more committed your management is to the program, the more it’s likely to work.
An effective accident response system
Establishing and defining accident response procedures helps your drivers know how to handle and report accidents. It also helps mitigate accident costs and understand your exposure.
Six reasons your business needs a fleet safety program
You need to implement a fleet safety program in your business because:
1. You get a cut on insurance premiums and minimal claims
A fleet safety program is an indication to insurers you’re doing whatever possible to reduce accidents. It assures them that only trained and experienced drivers handle your fleet. That lowers your risks and qualifies you for lower insurance premiums. Efficient fleet safety programs also mean fewer accidents, and conversely, reduced claims.
2. It encourages safe driver behaviors
Drunk driving accounts for about 39% of work-related crashes. Distracted driving is yet another common reason why accidents happen. Implementing a safety program with training courses and clear guidelines on safe driving behaviors encourages drivers to take up good habits.
3. It reduces accidents and the related costs
Fleet accidents cost business owners about $60 billion annually. Besides alcohol and distracted driving, some of these accidents occur due to driver errors. Educating your drivers on the benefits of safe driving can help you reduce preventable accidents. Also, through efficient accident response plans in place, fleet drivers can avoid costly traffic law violations after an accident.
4. It improves business image
Safer fleet management practices mean clients receive goods in impeccable shape, and drivers appear more responsible and courteous to onlooking customers. Reduced accidents mean reduced risks of property damage and injuries to the public. These collective benefits boost company image, making you an attractive option to prospects.
5. Fleet safety enhances fuel efficiency
Heavy fleet vehicles use about half a gas gallon for every hour they idle. Although it’s not much, these numbers can quickly add up. By implementing a fleet safety program that features monitoring, you eliminate such problems. You can also select the most efficient routes, significantly reducing time wasted on traffic-jammed roads and improving overall fuel efficiency.
6. It helps you form a strong team
Employees are an organization’s best asset. You can hire reliable drivers and fleet management employees through fleet safety programs, which means a better team and increased productivity. Through the established guidelines, everyone knows what is expected of them, facilitating effective collaboration and smooth-sailing business processes.
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