Keeping your drivers safe is likely one of your top priorities as a fleet manager, but with fleet accidents on the rise, it is getting harder and harder to do so. Luckily, there are some steps you can take as a fleet manager that will reduce the number of accidents you are likely to face. Being proactive can keep your drivers safe while on the job.
Use Dash Cams
While drivers should not feel like you are hanging over their shoulders, dash cams can provide a level of accountability while they are on the road. Plus, dash cams come with features that give drivers more control over their vehicles while on the road because they can increase visibility. For fleet managers, dash cams provide a higher level of control over the fleet’s safety. You can learn more here about how truck cameras can provide smooth driving.
Create a Safety Training Program
Consider creating a two-part safety program that consists of training and testing. Training should be customized to focus on the area each employee is weakest in. The training can increase aptitude and confidence, making your drivers more aware while on the road.
After the training should come the testing, which ensures your drivers retained the knowledge they gained during the training process. Your drivers should be tested in different conditions and with different vehicle conditions. Creating a culture of safety will help these types of programs to be successful. Especially when feeling overwhelmed by stress you need your drivers to have learned skills to lean on so they don’t make hasty, and dangerous decisions in the heat of the moment. Consider implementing ongoing training to help drivers refresh their skills and retain knowledge.
Put a Rewards Program in Place
It’s common for employees to become frustrated with lack of career progression and recognition in the workplace. A rewards program allows you to reward drivers who are showing good behavior. You could offer either monetary or non-monetary incentives, like bonuses, gift cards, extra paid vacation time, or the ability to choose more flexible working hours. One option is to use a scoring system for drivers. Those who perform at the highest levels can receive additional rewards. Consider recognizing these drivers publicly to motivate the team and give others something to work toward. These types of incentives can increase loyalty and retention among drivers.
Use Telematics
Using telematics can make a positive impact on your fleet. This type of technology supports your drivers, ensuring they are implementing safe techniques. As such, it reduces the potential for accidents. After installing the technology in your vehicle, it can track unsafe behaviors, such as hard braking, not wearing a seatbelt, or accelerating too quickly. It gives the management team data that can then be used to see how well the driver performed. This data can be tracked over time, and it could help you decide whether to retrain a current employee or find a new one. While it is often more expensive to source and hire a new person, an employee who makes the same mistake repeatedly may not be willing or able to learn the skills they need to be successful, and telematics can give you better information to work with. The technology can often be used to provide real-time updates about each employee.
