Best fleet operations aren’t just about getting from one point to another; they are about ensuring safety every step of the way. Why? Because a safe fleet is actually a well-managed fleet, where the driver is well-trained and keeps the vehicle maintained at all times. Thus, proper fleet management begins with incorporating strict safety policies. This comprehensive guide contains all the information on how you can create effective fleet safety policies for your business. So, without any further ado, let us get started!
6 Key Elements of Effective Fleet Safety
1. Vehicle Maintenance
A company is responsible for the safety of the drivers. So, it is necessary for the fleet manager to make sure that the vehicles in the entire fleet are safe for the drivers when they take them out of carrying out the company operations. The managers should establish and manage a maintenance schedule for all the vehicles in the fleet. The schedule should include daily inspections, tyre rotations, proper oil changes, and all other required maintenance services.
Moreover, all the vehicles should be inspected for any potential safety issues before each trip and there should be proper reporting of all the inspections.
2. Driver Monitoring
Driver monitoring is another key element in overall fleet safety. The managers should be able to track the behaviour of the driver and identify any potential safety issues. They can leverage the power of GPS tracking, digital tachograph, telematics and other systems to track and analyse the behaviour of the drivers. Besides this, the drivers of the fleet should be informed about all the monitoring systems and their advantages in promoting safe driving habits.
3. Training And Certification Of The Driver
Hiring trained and certified drivers is the best way to ensure high safety for the drivers and the entire fleet in the company. So, fleet managers should ensure that their drivers undergo the required training and certification before they carry out the operations of the company using the company vehicles. It will help the company to prevent certain violations which will save them a lot of resources and money.
4. Safety Equipment
Safety equipment forms a crucial pillar of fleet safety policies, which aims to protect the fleet as well as its drivers. From mandatory seat belts and airbags to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), each component increases overall vehicle safety. Fleet managers should integrate GPS trackers for real-time monitoring and route optimisation which will further reduce the response time of the drivers and increase the overall safety. With proper safety equipment in the vehicles, the company can prioritise the safety and overall well-being of its drivers and enjoy continued operational activity without any issues.
5. Accident Reporting And Comprehensive Inspections
Despite proper efforts by the fleet manager, accidents can happen in real time when drivers are carrying out operations on the road. So, it is necessary for the drivers to report back about any accident to the fleet manager in the least possible time. The fleet managers should address the concern of the driver swiftly and take the standard course of action for the issue. Moreover, they should conduct a proper investigation of the accident to determine its cause. This will further help them to take preventive measures to avoid similar conditions in the future.
6. Emergency Procedures
It is essential to have clear and documented procedures for the fleet manager to handle different emergencies like accidents, breakdowns, and dealing with tough weather conditions With clear procedures, fleet managers can act quickly and tell the driver to take the required course of action for higher safety.
Moreover, these procedures should be included in driver training so that they have the necessary tools and equipment to deal with challenging situations on the road.
The Bottom Line
Believe it or not, implementing different fleet safety policies is one of the chief goals of effective fleet management. Following all the above-mentioned policies is crucial for maintaining the safety of both driver and vehicle during the fleet operation. So, it is time to ensure your fleet’s optimum safety by making your managers and drivers aware of all the policies.
