The National Safety Council estimates that motor vehicle accidents occur at an average of 27,000 per day, making driver and vehicle safety a priority for any business that employs professional drivers. If you’re the manager of a commercial vehicle fleet, then you understand the importance of accident and personal injury prevention.
Looking for ways to increase and maintain the safety of your fleet? We have 5 simple safety tips for fleet managers that will help you do just that.
Top 5 Safety Tips for Fleet Managers
Smart Hiring
Hiring responsible and conscientious drivers is your first line of defense when it comes to fleet safety. The best resource available to you when selecting new drivers is Motor Vehicle Record checks. Relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, MVR checks give you access to any potential employee’s driving record, including any accidents, tickets, or DUI/DWI convictions. MVR checks should be performed periodically to ensure that your drivers maintain a clean driving record.
Comprehensive Training
Once you have completed the driver hiring process, it’s critical to properly train new employees. Using video tutorials is one of the most effective methods of driver training. Video training is a convenient and cost-effective way to facilitate important safety information. Behind the wheel training is another effective method that offers flexibility and can be administered directly by your company or by a state-run program.
Zero-Tolerance
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, neglecting to wear seat belts and alcohol use are alarmingly common practices among professional drivers. Implementing a zero-tolerance rule is a great way to keep your fleet safe. Posting seat belt requirement reminders in vehicles and break rooms as well as offering bonuses to employees who are in 100% compliance is a great way to enforce the rule. Putting an employee abusing alcohol on probation also goes a long way in preventing any dangerous alcohol consumption on the road.
Continuing Education
Safety education should not stop after a driver is hired and trained. Regularly scheduled mandatory safety workshops, staff meetings, and seminars given by emergency medical technicians and law enforcement personnel keep safety in the forefront of your drivers’ minds, which will increase the long term safety of your fleet.
Incentives and Rewards
An excellent way to make safety a priority is to offer your safe drivers incentives and rewards. Offering monetary awards and other gifts to drivers who go a certain amount of time with no accidents will encourage them be as conscientious and safe on the road and will also show them that you value their time, efforts, and commitment.
Contact Adrian Steel Today!
Did you know that safety concerns extend beyond the road?
Adrian Steel offers the latest in vocational upfit packages for commercial vehicles with your fleet’s safety in mind. To learn more, contact us today at (800) 677-2726 or find an Adrian Steel distributor near you.
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