You already know the challenges if you’ve recently launched a shipping and transport fleet. It’s not just the logistics of delivery from x to y but also workers’ protections, background checks, demanding customers—the list goes on.
Fleet safety is one of the most critical aspects, of promoting safety guidelines in a transportation organization. Prioritizing fleet safety reduces the number of accidents, impacting the lives of employees and the fleet’s performance. Any company that manages a team of truck or delivery drivers needs to protect its assets and keep them safe.
We’ll cover why fleet safety is important and tips to implement it in your transportation company.
Why Is Fleet Safety Important to Your Business?
A fleet safety program encourages better driver behavior, effective accident response procedures, and preventative vehicle maintenance.
It’s a great idea to have a plan of action before an accident occurs. For example, having a dependable and trustworthy legal team, like Zinda law firm, can help you navigate situations such as determining fault, representation in court, and insurance case settlement.
Accidents lead to serious legal issues for companies. These problems can cost businesses thousands of dollars in compensation, legal fees, and other damages. Implementing the right technology and training procedures helps to reduce unsafe driving and the risk of collisions.
With 14% of crashes and 8% of fatal crashes caused by distracted driving in 2020, it’s more important than ever to install proper fleet safety.
3 Tips for Fleet Safety
Here are several tips to help improve fleet safety:
Proper Coaching and Training
Within your driver training, it’s important to emphasize proper habits. Since drowsy driving causes about 328,000 accidents annually, it’s essential to encourage drivers to use rest stops when tired. The training should also teach drivers how to navigate through lousy weather properly.
We recommend varying your training methods based on your driver’s needs. For example, during the onboarding stages, it’s worth conducting on-road coaching where an instructor works with the driver. Ongoing training instills proper habits and procedures. You can do other ongoing training with group workshops or online platforms.
Maintain Your Fleet Vehicles
Preventative maintenance can save your trucking company a lot of money. A properly-maintained vehicle breaks down less often, burns less fuel, and lowers operating costs.
Start by having a clearly-defined inspection schedule. Essential maintenance means regularly performing routine engine cleaning, tire changing, and oil changes.
Invest in Fleet Management Software
Operators and managers can use fleet tracking software to monitor and manage their crews in real time. Since operators receive alerts on their devices, they can improve safety by taking immediate action.
These systems have video telematics integrated with a dashcam to get a holistic view of your driver’s behaviors. Operators receive real-time footage of their drivers, allowing you to see potential red flags like stop-sign violations, speeding, tailgating, and accidents.
Wrapping It Up
Any great fleet manager can tell you why safety is always a top priority. Ignoring fleet safety can cost your company thousands of dollars due to service downtimes, collisions, or driver misbehavior.
With dashcams and telematics, you can pinpoint problems that need to be addressed and track progress after training. Implement these strategies into your truck fleet.
