FleetManagement Archives - The Reschini Group

Safety Can Be Fleeting: Maintaining a Safe Fleet Program

Operating a fleet of vehicles remains a necessity for many businesses. Drivers climb into cars and trucks every day, occasionally using multiple vehicles for differing purposes. But do they know the expectations of their employers? What kind of training and instruction have they received? What are the rules about purchasing fuel? Is personal usage ever permitted? What about parking a company vehicle at their homes during non-working hours?

A consistent fleet safety program means not only cost savings, but also reduced liability, improved employee satisfaction, and enhanced safety performance. While a program is best when tailored to the exact parameters of a specific business, here are some basic elements that every plan should include:

Secure and promote the support and commitment of all levels of management.
Issue written policies and procedures regarding all aspects of vehicle use related to the business, and ensure that all drivers have ongoing access to this information.
Create a roster of all drivers, including those who drive on behalf of the business using fleet vehicles, personal cars and trucks, and rented vehicles.
Screen and select drivers to create a reliable team of safe drivers as the key to ongoing fleet safety success. Adhere to clear and detailed hiring standards.
Offer and record completion of training to all drivers, covering vehicles safety policies and procedures, including defensive driving.
Formalize schedules and record keeping related to vehicle inspections, repairs, and maintenance, to avoid costly breakdowns and accidents due to faulty equipment.
Manage drivers regularly, offering additional training where needed. Also manage accidents carefully to better understand areas of exposure and reduce the likelihood of future accidents.

The professionals at The Reschini Group can help your organization get a fleet safety program in place that works for your specific needs. Contact us to talk more about this important consideration.

The Reschini Group provides these updates for information only, and does not provide legal advice. To make decisions regarding insurance matters, please consult directly with a licensed insurance professional or firm.

Fleet Management Resources from The Reschini Group:

Small Fleet Safety Overview which introduces resources available from The Reschini Group: Small Fleet Safety Overview

Fuel Management Checklist that gives tips to better manage fuel usage: Fuel Management Checklist

A Driving Force: Selecting Safe Drivers for Your Business

Anyone behind the wheel – for any purpose, whether the employer or employee owns, rents, or leases the vehicle – during work hours is considered a driver for the company. It remains imperative, then, for employers to do everything possible to ensure that every driver operates those vehicles safely, to limit liability and losses.

Those individuals hired as drivers are easy to identify, of course. The occasional driver, though, can easily be overlooked as companies consider the risks associated with their fleets.

Safe drivers translate into savings related to losses. The National Safety Council confirms that the cost of losses related to vehicle accidents can be substantial.

Safe drivers mean lower liability in case of loss. Screening, training, and monitoring performance comes heavily into play here.

Safe drivers also can burnish your image with customers and the general public. Vehicles are visibly unavoidable on the highway. As a visual representation of an organization, drivers operating those vehicles safely and smartly can tell a positive story about the company they represent.

Some general tips for hiring safe drivers include:

Establish and clearly communicate a set of consistent standards for all drivers.
Spend the time to accurately verify and validate the employee’s work history and safety record.
Conduct thorough background checks.
Retrieve and evaluate motor vehicle records (MVRs) for any past violations.
Put the employee through driving-related tests, both written and on-road.
Verify any special certifications related to the ability and authorization to operate certain vehicle classifications.
Be sure that all applicable commercial vehicle driver qualification rules have been met and documented.

The professionals at The Reschini Group can help your organization get a fleet safety program in place that works for your specific needs. Contact us to talk more about this important consideration.

Safety Can Be Fleeting: Establishing a Workable Fleet Safety Program

Many businesses maintain a fleet of vehicles as a necessary element of their operations. Drivers take the wheel every day, occasionally using multiple vehicles for differing purposes. But do they know what is expected of them at all times? What kind of training and instruction have they received? How about purchasing fuel? Personal usage? Parking at their homes during non-working hours?

Secure and promote the support and commitment of all levels of management.
Issue written policies and procedures regarding all aspects of vehicle use related to the business, and ensure that all drivers have ongoing access to this information.
Create a roster of all drivers, including those who drive on behalf of the business using fleet vehicles, personal cars and trucks, and rented vehicles.
Screen and select drivers to create a reliable team of safe drivers as the key to ongoing fleet safety success. Clear hiring standards must be detailed and adhered to.
Offer and record completion of training to all drivers, covering vehicles safety policies and procedures, including defensive driving.
Formalize schedules and record keeping related to vehicle inspections, repairs, and maintenance, to avoid costly breakdowns and accidents due to faulty equipment.
Manage drivers regularly, offering additional training where needed. Also manage accidents carefully to better understand areas of exposure and reduce the likelihood of future accidents.

The professionals at The Reschini Group can help your organization get a fleet safety program in place that works for your specific needs. Read more about safety issues and contact us to talk more about this important consideration.