The HSE in the UK claims that almost one-third of all on-road accidents involve people working at the time the incidents occurred. In a much-regulated traffic situation in the UK, this accounted for over 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week! Driver safety, especially fleet driver safety, is in demand citing the rising number of road accidents across the world. This complete guide on driver safety will take you through the challenges, importance, and key steps required to ensure fleet driver safety. Let’s dive right in.
What is Fleet Driver Safety?
Fleet driver safety is essentially the term that refers to the preventive measures companies implement to reduce existing and potential operational risks. Fleet driver safety programs consider the vehicle types, routes, and associated driver behaviour to protect drivers and vehicles.
It involves risk identification and mitigation to ensure the threats do not escalate. There are several aspects of fleet driver safety to consider like driver training and education, vehicle maintenance, safety regulations, advanced technology implementation, emergency response plan development, and more.
In other words, the idea behind fleet driver safety is to prioritise creating a safe work culture within the organisation.
Challenges Fleet Driver Safety Helps Overcome
Here are the key challenges managers can overcome with fleet driver safety —
1. Employee resistance
If your fleet drivers aren’t willing to learn new things and change, driver safety is set to take a hit. Fleet drivers’ resistance to being part of a fleet driver safety program can be a major challenge in ensuring safer working conditions.
2. Distracted driving
Distraction is an enemy when you are on the road. Fleet drivers getting distracted can lead to major accidents. These drivers are often carrying huge weights and might even be driving large semi-trucks. Road accidents involving such big trucks can be extremely disastrous.
3. Drink and drive
Drunk driving is a major challenge to driver safety as fleet managers hardly have any control over fleet drivers’ activities during transit. Driving under the influence has killed almost 11,000 people every year in the last decade. Fleet managers must curb this issue as it can reduce the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction.
4. Road traffic compliance
Traffic rules are meant to be followed. Adhering to the traffic rules ensures that fleet drivers are responsible and refrain from taking actions that might lead to confusion and accidents. Not following traffic rules is another challenge to driver safety as it increases on-road interferences.
5. Rash and speedy driving
The road is not a race track and the fleet vehicles are not sports cars. However, many fleet drivers tend to drive fast to reach their destination quickly. They might even resort to zig-zag and rash driving.
6. Driver fatigue
Fleet companies not adhering to the (Hours of service) HOS often make their drivers drive more, leading to exhaustion and fatigue. Drivers that keep going on despite fatigue often cause major road accidents as lack of sleep or rest limits their ability to think clearly.
7. Road rage
Road rage is a factor in 54 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
An angry driver driving an eighteen-wheeler is the last thing you want on the road. Road rage actions like tailgating, yelling, honking, and more can be catastrophic if the drivers don’t realise the repercussions of their actions. The deliberate, unsafe, and erratic behaviour of an angry driver can easily lead to crashes and loss of life and property.
8. Driver carelessness
A careless fleet driver who is not vigilant and aware of the situation is a major liability for fleet managers. Such drivers have little or no idea of trip routes, fuel consumption, deadlines, and sensitivity of the cargo being carried. Such carelessness can be counter-productive for your company and fleet operations.
Benefits of Fleet Driver Safety Rules
Here are some of the most compelling advantages of implementing fleet driver safety —
1. Driver safety enhancement
Fleet driver safety programs strengthen your existing efforts to build a safety-first work culture. Monitoring driver behaviour throughout trips allows fleet managers to track drivers’ speeds, braking patterns, and erratic activities. When coupled with driver safety solutions, managers can even alert drivers in real time to reduce the chances of incidents.
2. Accident rate reduction
As the percentage of road accidents increases, the company is set to experience significant financial losses. Fleet managers will have to justify high repair costs, legal fees, and insurance premiums — an extremely exhaustive task. With a driver safety program set up, you will find it easier to promote safe driving behaviours. Drivers are more likely to follow safe driving practices and reduce the number of accidents and associated costs.
3. Lower insurance premiums
Fleet operators are highly dependent on insurance providers and the latter knows it too well. Hence, they do not fail to seek accident history and driving behaviour when drafting insurance premiums. Fleet driver safety programs are highly effective in reducing the premium amount. Managers can showcase how committed they are to improving driver and asset safety.
4. Boosts fuel efficiency
Fuel costs are rising as we speak. Fleet operators have a very hard time reducing or optimising fuel costs, especially if drivers resort to aggressive driving behaviour. Fleet driver safety programs ensure that drivers understand how their behaviour impacts fuel consumption. When coupled with a real-time fuel monitoring system, it becomes easier for managers to provide feedback to drivers and improve their driving performance.
5. Extends vehicle lifespan
Erratic driving behaviour doesn’t just reduce fuel efficiency but also puts huge stress on the engine and mechanical parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear of the fleet vehicles and result in higher maintenance costs, shortening the average fleet vehicle lifespan. Fleet driver safety training ensures that fleet vehicles are driven gently and fleet operators can maximise their return on investment.
6. Increases fleet productivity
Productivity takes a beating when fleet drivers don’t adhere to safe driving practices. To manage a fleet efficiently, one has to press on productivity, a major factor behind establishing fleet driver safety policies. Efficient driving behaviours have less impact on fleet vehicles, leading to reduced downtime and increased productivity.
7. Ensures regulatory compliance
Non-compliance in the logistics and transportation industry can result in huge fines. It might even lead to legal issues that can potentially damage the company’s reputation. Since fleet driver safety policies consider compliance, drivers are able to check their driving behaviours and use the fleet vehicles adhering to industry standards.
8. Generates valuable analytics data
We highly recommend fleet operators introduce data analytics to their fleet operations in order to improve fleet management. When coupled with driver monitoring systems, fleet driver safety programs can ensure a data-driven approach to fleet safety. These systems can generate data related to boosting driver performance and help unveil valuable insights — allowing managers to make data-driven business decisions.
9. Boost driver morale
Fleet drivers do not only need to be taught how to drive efficiently but also need to be rewarded for their improved driving practices. This is where you can couple driver monitoring systems with a driver scorecard. Fleet managers can use it as a tool for recognising and rewarding safe driving practices. Make the drivers feel recognized to reduce driver attrition and improve their performance.
10. High company reputation
The logistics and supply chain world is moving toward safer working conditions. Companies that strategically invest in fleet driver safety tend to attract organisations with a similar approach to productivity and efficiency. A company that has a reputation for the least road accidents and most successful deliveries will automatically gain recognition in the industry.
Strategies to Ensure Fleet Driver Safety
We highly recommend you follow these strategies to boost fleet driver safety across your organisation —
1. Create a safety committee
This has to be your first step toward improving drivers’ safety. Begin by creating a safety committee and presenting the existing state of affairs — helping drivers understand the impact of their behaviours. Map their behaviours with existing and potential negative impacts so they can have a better understanding of their actions. The idea is to bring on board those drivers who were resistive to behavioural change.
2. Regular driver training and education
At the same time, you need to organise driver education by introducing regular driver training education. The training session will have to cover everything a driver needs to tend to when using fleet vehicles. This will foster open communication between managers and drivers. Here are some of the topics you can cover throughout the driver training and education session —
Preparing Driver
- Build knowledge and skills
- Develop a safety attitude
- Dress properly
- Eliminate potential distractions
- Enter and exit the vehicle properly
Preparing Vehicle (Pre-trip inspections)
- Warm up engine
- Check tire pressure
- Check fuel and oil levels
- Check for leakages
- Adjust the seat
- Adjust foot position
- Adjust head restraints
- Adjust mirrors
- Adjust seat belts
- Clean windows
Safety on Road
- Grip the steering wheel properly
- Hands on wheel at all times
- Eyes on the road
- Taking breaks regularly to stretch
- Stay hydrated
- Connect with manager regularly
3. Ensure scheduled vehicle maintenance
Fleet vehicles’ functionality should be checked regularly to reduce the number of road accidents caused by mechanical failures. However, the potential downtime caused by vehicle maintenance can be difficult to overcome. This is why we recommend fleet managers develop fleet vehicle maintenance schedules. Safe-to-drive fleet vehicles will contribute to your driver safety quest.
4. Establish fleet safety policies
We highly recommend you develop and communicate fleet safety policies outlining the expectations, procedures, and potential consequences for aggressive/unsafe driving behaviour. At the same time, fleet managers should consistently enforce the policies and hold the fleet drivers accountable for their actions.
Article you might be interested in – Impact of Fleet Safety Policy on Reducing Accidents and Costs
5. Reward defensive driving behaviour
Feedback is important when trying to ensure fleet driver safety. Reward the fleet drivers for their improved driving behaviour with the help of incentive programs. These rewards can range from additional monetary compensation to company-wide recognition. Managers can even introduce catalogue programs in which drivers will gain points for their driving behaviour, which they can redeem for items in a catalogue.
Using Advanced Technology and Driver Safety Tools
The advancement of technology has revolutionized the way fleet safety is managed. By leveraging these technologies, fleet managers can significantly enhance driver safety, reduce accidents, and improve overall fleet efficiency.
1. Telematics and GPS Tracking
Fleet Telematics solutions involve the integration of telecommunications and informatics to send, receive, and store information related to fleet vehicles remotely. It comes with a GPS tracking module that provides real-time data on the location of vehicles.
- Behaviour monitoring telematics track driver behaviour, including speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling. Identifying and addressing these behaviours can reduce risky driving practices.
- GPS tracking helps optimise routes, reduce travel time, and minimise exposure to hazardous driving conditions.
- Telematics systems send real-time alerts for unsafe driving behaviours, allowing for immediate corrective actions.
- Aggregated data can be analysed to identify trends and areas for improvement, enabling targeted training and interventions.
2. Dashcams and CCTV
Dashcams (dashboard cameras) and CCTV (closed-circuit television) provide video evidence of the driving environment and driver behaviour.
- Dashcams capture video footage before, during, and after an incident, providing valuable evidence for accident investigations and exonerating drivers from false claims.
- Video footage helps understand driver behaviour and identify areas where additional training is needed.
- Knowing that they are being recorded can deter drivers from engaging in unsafe behaviours.
- Recorded footage can be used as a training tool to demonstrate both good and bad driving practices, providing real-world examples for learning.
3. ADAS and DMS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include technologies that enhance vehicle safety and driving convenience, while Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) track the driver’s attention and condition.
- ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot detection help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to potential hazards and, in some cases, taking corrective actions automatically.
- DMS can detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction (e.g., through eye-tracking) and issue warnings or take actions to mitigate risks.
- ADAS systems improve situational awareness by providing real-time information about the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Features like adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition help drivers maintain safe speeds and follow traffic rules.
4. ELDs for HOS
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are used to record a fleet driver’s Hours of Service (HOS), ensuring compliance with regulations regarding driving and rest times.
- ELDs ensure that fleet drivers adhere to HOS regulations, reducing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
- Automated logs reduce the administrative burden on drivers and improve the accuracy of records, ensuring that drivers get the required rest periods.
- By monitoring and managing driving hours, ELDs help prevent driver fatigue, a major cause of road accidents.
- ELD data can be accessed by fleet managers to ensure compliance and to identify patterns that might indicate systemic issues, such as chronic over-scheduling.
Conclusion
Fleet driver safety is all about establishing a holistic safety culture that is founded on incessant planning, training, and learning. It involves regular communication, monitoring, and assessment to stay committed to boosting driver safety and building a safer and responsible workforce.
With a fleet driver safety plan in place, fleet managers can rest assured that drivers take the necessary steps to reduce the probability of on-road incidents while contributing positively toward fleet operations’ efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability. Stay tuned for more informative content!
