Thinking Past Accepted Norms to Help Fleets Thrive
By Steve Bender
Conventional wisdom.
It’s been an important part of the human condition since people first appeared on earth. And while it differs from culture to culture, conventional wisdom is usually about one generation or group passing along universally accepted knowledge to the next.
And while many of the “tried and true” practices we all seem to adhere to have value, the tumultuous nature of the last few years suggests that rather than follow in lockstep, it might make sense to slow down. Take a deep breath. And then carefully consider what makes the most sense rather than what satisfies tradition.
After all, not only has the pandemic turned accepted norms on their collective heads, but so many of the things fleets have taken for granted are not what they once seemed. From an inability to purchase new vehicles, to the shuttering of auto plants due to chip shortages. To the challenge of employing a “business as usual” mentality when the supply chain is in tatters, people have left or been cut from their jobs, and so much has changed about our industry.
AFLA Learning Safety Insights Webinar
Registration is open for the AFLA Learning session on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM CT. Join Art Liggio with Driver Dynamics for a webinar on Insights: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Research.
Since 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (“FAS”) has been conducting extensive research on a variety or risk factors that affect driver safety performance. Its published reports provide valuable insights on the ever-changing safety challenges drivers face along with potential solutions. This AFLA Learning session will look at recent research by FAS and its findings in the areas of Driver Behavior & Performance and Emerging Technologies.
Click HERE for Learning Objectives and Registration
How to Engage Drivers to Be Safer Behind the Wheel
Your fleet can improve safety by implementing a small rewards program - perhaps including games and/or incentives - and that will cost a lot less than paying for an accident.
Ranks of TOP SAFETY PICK+ Winners Swell as Automakers Improve Headlights
February 24, 2022 - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is recognizing 65 models with the 2022 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, as improved headlight offerings boost more vehicles into the top tier.
Another 36 models earn the lower-tier TOP SAFETY PICK award for a total of 101 winners overall. This time last year, there were 90 winners, including 49 earning TOP SAFETY PICK+.
Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands, has the most 2022 awards overall and the most awards in each category - 11 TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 10 TOP SAFETY PICK awards for a total of 21. Volkswagen Group, which includes the Volkswagen and Audi brands, is not far behind with eight TOP SAFETY PICK+ and three TOP SAFETY PICK awards. Volvo earns 10 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards.
USPS Pushes Ahead with Gas Mail Truck Purchase, Defying White House
February 23, 2022 - Last year saw the reveal of the US Postal Service's new delivery truck from Oshkosh Defense. As part of a 10-year, $6 billion deal, the USPS aims to purchase up to 165,000 new trucks to replace its aging delivery fleet.
The Biden administration has been pushing for the deal to include more electric vehicles, as current plans are for just 10% to be electric. The USPS has gone ahead with the deal anyway, finalizing the contract on Wednesday.
While the USPS is pushing ahead, the move is likely to receive further legal challenges in court by environmental groups. The primary challenge is expected to concern the basis of the analysis used to justify the purchase of gasoline-powered delivery trucks.
