How to Expand Your Scope of Fleet Safety

The new normal is here. In our COVID-19 Survey, fleets across industries revealed the biggest concern they’re facing is keeping drivers safe.

To accomplish this mission, we must widen our concept of safety, beyond crashes and collisions, to include protections against pandemics, extreme weather, natural disasters and more.

Update Your Fleet Driver Safety Policy

Many fleets incorporate safety processes into their fleet policies, but that’s just the start. These programs must be routinely reviewed to ensure it includes the most up-to-date information and recommendations.

For example, include guidance on using Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) correctly and not disabling telematics equipment. Additionally, address other items that are stored within the vehicle such as the safety kit. Be sure to include information on handling natural disasters and pandemics. For instance, if a driver tests positive for a pandemic-level virus, where should they take the vehicle to be cleansed?

The fleet policy should serve as a handbook for addressing all safety concerns.

Reimagine Your Fleet Driver Vehicle Safety Kit

Consider the addition of vehicle safety kits to your program that includes Personal Protection Equipment to support during disasters. For example, fleets are adding disinfectants, masks and gloves to their kits. Touchless keys are also a nice item to incorporate as they don’t require drivers to touch surfaces with their own hands.

Prioritize ADAS In Your Fleet Vehicle Selector

In order to build a culture of safety within your fleet, start with the vehicle. ADAS like brake assist, obstacle detection and collision warnings drastically improve the safety of a driver when used correctly.

Telematics is another safety consideration. It can track and warn against harsh braking, sudden acceleration, seatbelt usage, speeding and more. Additionally, the GPS and tracking tools help during times of uncertainty if you need to trace where a vehicle has been due to contact with a virus or it’s in danger with flash flooding from a hurricane.

Refresh Fleet Driver Training And Tips

Your driver-centered training likely has materials regarding crashes and collisions. Now is the time to include all other safety-related scenarios. Build resources that teach drivers what to do when encountering hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and winter storms, for example. Additionally, fleets can provide resources such as safe driving tips focused on these topics.

Think creatively about your safety program and lean on your fleet management provider to help ensure your drivers make it home safely each night.

What new ways are you thinking about safety? Let me know at [email protected].