Key Tips for Roadway Safety Week
Auto accidents are one of the most important risk issues facing any business with vehicles on the road. In addition to the serious potential for injury to your employees or damage to your fleet, auto accidents can expose your business to litigation, significant liability, and higher insurance premiums.
To help control the risk in your fleet, it helps to focus on the fundamentals of roadway safety:
- Hire safe drivers and provide ongoing safety training. Before hiring someone in a driving role, check their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and ensure they’re qualified. When you onboard, emphasize the importance of safe driving and highlight your company’s safety policies. Throughout their employment, offer training programs to keep safety front of mind.
- Keep up with vehicle maintenance. Utilize a pre- and post-trip inspection checklist. Regularly review fluid levels, tire tread depth, and lights. Ensure that any areas needing repair or attention are addressed promptly so that maintenance issues don’t become safety issues.
- Plan for hazardous or unsafe conditions. Weather, traffic, and road construction all contribute to hazardous roadway conditions. Your drivers should be prepared to adapt their driving to different circumstances, and you should have clear policies that dictate when routes should be modified or vehicles should be taken off the road.
- Consider telematics. Technology now offers you the opportunity to monitor driver safety behaviors including speeding and abrupt braking, providing opportunities for you to correct problematic driving before it contributes to an accident. Additionally, telematics can help improve route efficiency, fuel consumption, and vehicle maintenance. As the insurance market evolves, telematics may also help you access more competitive coverage options.
The key to mitigating vehicle risk is ensuring that safety becomes deeply rooted in your organization’s culture. By emphasizing safety through routine procedures, clear messaging, and ongoing training, you can keep roadway safety at the forefront in your organization. Consistent daily attention to safety will help your drivers internalize safe habits, protecting themselves and your business in the process.
