For those who have gone the entrepreneurial route and are bosses. There is a never-ending “to do” list. Longer than your list as an employee could ever be. For those in shipping transport is the life blood of your business. There’s always a lot of talk about keeping a fleet running well. But what about the drivers? Self-driving fleets aren’t here yet! So, it is vital that you help keep fleet drivers safe until the AI revolution! From reducing driver stress to using monitoring systems, here are some ideas.
Plan Routes Based on Safety
There are safe routes and unsafe routes. Planning around these will help boost driver safety and keep your fleet moving. There is a lot of data available when it comes to highways, and even on a state-by-state basis. For example, Checkr’s new report on the safest states for driving will help as a guide when overhauling your fleet safety design. You can also use MVR checks for data relating to individual drivers when hiring them to operate as a part of your fleet.
Work to Reduce Driving Stress
Driving can be a stressful job. Long routes, unsociable hours, and delivery deadlines can add to the workload of some drivers. Working to reduce stress levels will help drivers maintain mental health safety while working as part of your company’s fleet. This includes things like planning safe routes, planning for delays such as traffic jams, and allowing driver welfare breaks during a journey. The last thing you want is for a driver to be tired, angry, or nervous on the road!
Keep Fleet Drivers Safe with Tests
Driving habits can change as we get older, and some can lead to accidents. In London alone, there are around 25,232 car incidents per year. Testing drivers occasionally will help assess and improve driving skills. All drivers should be aware of basic and intermediate driving skills, have excellent road knowledge, and be able to react quickly to a hazard. There are no legal requirements for this. However, testing will reduce the chances of an incident by your fleet.
Install Telematics to Monitor Driving
Telematics devices are excellent for tracking specific data points. They are easy to install, and some insurance companies require them. Telematics monitor things like driving speed, braking force, and turning smoothness. You can use this data from each vehicle to assess how well each driver is doing their job. You can then make drivers aware of their shortcomings with driving education programs and tests. It’s Draconian, but it helps keep everyone a bit safer.
Upgrade Your Fleet’s Vehicles
Of course, the vehicles you operate play a considerable role in driver safety. All vehicles must undergo a FLOWER check every day before a driver sets off. A complete vehicle maintenance program is necessary to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. It will also help to replace older vehicles with newer ones. Electric cars are smarter and come with enhanced safety features. They are also less polluting, which could reduce the carbon your drivers breathe in!
Planning delivery routes around safety will help keep fleet drivers safe on the road. Testing drivers now and then will keep them sharp. And vehicle upgrades and maintenance will help.
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