Managing a fleet requires daily input and on-the-ball innovation. There are certain pressures attached to this industry niche, including ensuring safe drivers, enhancing training, and real-time compliance with regulations and laws.
So, in this post, we will be discussing some essential tips that can help improve fleet safety and how important this is the optimal business model for success. Just keep reading!
Tips for Improving Fleet Safety
#1: Regular Training
Regular training is necessary for not just drivers but management leads as well. These programs should be well-considered, comprehensive, and high frequency in order to facilitate safer driving across the board.
Fleet drivers are bound by a duty of care, and the impact of this is that there is an expected high standard of operation while behind the wheel and on shift. Empowering the people who represent the fleet brand through regular, relevant training is the best way forward.
#2: Efficient Communication
Safe driving is only made possible when the whole team is aware of the overarching rules and information. Therefore, communication becomes a key part of what makes a fleet safety-conscious.
Management can find a variety of methods to stay in touch with the fleet, from company-wide meetings for the bigger things to apps or email notifications for the smaller items.
#3: In-Cab Monitoring
There are innovative ways for fleets to track a driver’s behavior while on the road, one of which is in-cab monitoring through a product like Netradyne cameras. This will present up-to-speed data about braking habits, speed limit compliance, hours spent driving, and generally report on how safe a driver operates while out and about.
This is quickly becoming a protective factor as well because if a fleet operative is involved in a collision, having data to reflect on will be useful for both insurance claims and any lawsuits thereafter.
#4: Active Management for Poor Performance
One space where fleets sometimes fall short is by avoiding conversations around poor performance. Yet, the drivers who are not following the rules are the ones that ultimately compromise both the integrity of the brand and the reputation as well.
If the feedback data is largely negative, it is time to talk about why. This will require some level of active management to get to the bottom of what’s going on. The driver may need additional training, a refresher course in brand values, or more input regarding vehicle maintenance.
#5: Frequent Maintenance Scheduling
Vehicle maintenance is an obligatory part of owning a fleet. All of the commercial vehicles used by drivers must adhere to every regulation and be kept in top shape to ensure maximum safety for both operators and other road users.
You can consider training your drivers on what to watch out for and how to both prepare and wind down their vehicles after a journey is complete. Train them on such subjects as tire maintenance, screen wash top-ups, and how to make sure the brakes are functioning correctly.
Drivers have to be able to look after their vehicles independently, but there should also be supplementary professional checks at a regulated center as well. This way, both sides of the equation are covered.
#6: Comprehensive Safety Policy
All fleets need to compile a comprehensive safety policy. Without it, they are vulnerable to all sorts of lawsuits from both drivers who are left unprotected and anyone else along the way.
This document should be updated frequently in line with the most recent government guidance and road safety research.
You will now have to ensure that all your drivers have a copy that they can keep either electronically or as a printout. At the same time, make it a part of weekly discussions so that everyone is up to date at all times.
#7: Incentives for Safe Driving
The concept of safe driving is looked upon differently depending on the context. Generally, it means the person in charge of a vehicle should be well rested, not under the influence, and completely capable of handling the task ahead without distractions.
Mindfulness and concentration are important too, and it always helps when a company moves to incentivize positive professional performance. For a fleet, this will always be for the drivers who consciously strive for enhanced safety while on shift.
Incentives can be anything from a monetary bonus to a voucher prize or day-out experience. They are highly motivational and even bring an additional element of fun motivation into the workplace.
Final Note
Improving fleet safety is a top priority for both the reputation and viability of any company that operates in this niche. As shown above, there are multiple methods for implementing superior safety tactics. Leverage these tips to help your fleet achieve its corporate goals by ensuring a high level of safety with your fleet vehicles.