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How to create better drivers within your fleet

By intouch * posted 08-03-2019 12:23

  
By Lynne White, Chevin

Creating better, safer drivers not only minimises the risk of accidents and injuries but also reduces costs too. Here's how you can create better drivers.


Screen_Shot_2019-03-08_at_12_21_52_pm.pngDid you know that it is your drivers that are the primary cause of most accidents, not the vehicles that they are driving?

Safety effects the entire business – vehicles, maintenance, operations, and of course your drivers, however, despite advancements in technology to improve vehicle safety, the number one cause of accidents is the driver.

90% of all reported accidents are due to driver errors such as fatigue, speeding or driver distractions.

According to the Transport Accident Commission, taking your eyes off the roads for two seconds at 50 km/h is the equivalent of driving 27 metres blind. The AAA reports that more than 100 Australian drivers are killed on the roads every month with a similar number injured daily. This costs the economy almost $30m annually.

Need more convincing?

What’s clear is that safety needs to begin with drivers, and implementing these five techniques will help to improve performance and create better drivers:

1. Identify behaviours that increase risk

Unsurprisingly, distracted driving is high on the list.

Despite the law change in March 2017 which now makes it an offence to operate an electronic device such as a mobile phone and even going ‘hands free’ considered a distraction.

A survey carried out by NRMA members found that even though almost all motorists knew that us is illegal to use a phone unless on hands-free, 15% believed that they would not caught if doing so. This figure rises to 62% of young drivers aged between 16–24.

Also, not a surprise is that electronic devices such as cell phones are one of the most common distractions for drivers. Attentiveness to driving when using a device, either hands free or handheld, has an adverse effect on reaction time, speed, following distance and lane position.

Alcohol is another contributing factor towards transportation accidents and fatalities. This is closely followed by issues relating to the legalisation of marijuana, the increased use of synthetic drugs and the dramatic rise in over-the-counter prescription and medication abuse.

Fatigue can also be just as deadly as alcohol and drug impairment. Fatigue regularly causes accidents which are preventable if drivers, including commercial vehicle operators, don’t get adequate rest.

 2. Educate your drivers

Eliminating distractions in transportation requires change in driver thinking and behaviour – each of these easily preventable issues identified can be effectively addressed with fleet driver training.

Training is one of the most effective techniques for creating better drivers. Engaging drivers in education makes them aware of the dangers of distracted, fatigued and impaired driving.

Driver training can play an important part in mitigating claims of negligence when an accident does occur. In most accident litigation, solicitors focus on the risks taken by your drivers with the burden of proof falling on your company to show not only compliance with training mandated by law, but also the training procedures you have in place.

3. Adoption of your company policies

Company policies relating to the safe operation of vehicles establishes a uniform understanding of your expectations.

A good example is a policy that covers mobile phone use (or the use of any mobile electronic device) while operating a company owned, leased or personal vehicle on company business. Similarly, a policy that requires drivers to be medically fit ensures that they have suitable health and fitness levels before driving a company vehicle.

4. Enforce the rules

A policy can only be effective if it is backed by the enforcement of real and established consequences for non-compliance. Drivers won’t alter their unsafe driving practices simply because a policy is in place. It’s up to your Fleet Managers to enforce policies, regardless of any challenges or resistance in doing so.

In some instances, there can be costs associated with failing to implement and enforce a company policy.

5. Improve performance with data management

The key to creating better drivers is to improve performance. To improve performance it is important to measure.

The ability to store driver information enables easier reporting on accident rates and behaviour which in turn helps identify risk and reduce costly repairs, vehicle downtime and insurance premiums. Having a system in place that enables you to understand the causes of safety challenges means a better chance in finding and implementing possible solutions.

Data can also be used to help analyse risk, develop effective policies and procedures, identify training needs and ensure compliance. Fleet driver management software keeps your driver records up-to-date, organised and easily accessible for these purposes.

Reducing costs and improving driver safety are not mutually exclusive, however encouraging safe driving practices can make the difference. Long term, it not only lowers costs but also improves employee satisfaction, company reputation and image.

Ensuring you have a strategy to reduce the risk of road accidents in your fleet should be a priority.

About Chevin Fleet Solutions

Chevin is a leading, global provider of advanced, dedicated fleet management software solutions. Its software is used in more than 180 countries worldwide to manage more than 1,000,000 vehicles and assets and it has offices in the UK, US, Australia, France and Belgium (European HQ), as well as a presence in Germany. Chevin provides solutions to the public, utility and corporate sectors as well as government and NGO operations of every size.
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