Editor’s Note: This is a standout in the FMW Library and one of the most-read columns of 2020. Written by the late Mark Boada, his passion for fleet safety is apparent. We miss him dearly.
By Mark Boada, Executive Editor
I’ve been in the fleet industry for more than 15 years, and much of that time my focus has been fleet safety. While I’m not a fleet safety professional, I’ve had the opportunity to take a very long, broad and close look at practices that reduce fleet collisions, save lives and keep drivers and their employers protected against serious physical and financial damage.
So, below I’m identifying the 25 most powerful components of a fleet safety program to help accomplish those goals. Please note that I’m not listing them in order of their relative effectiveness, nor am I intending to ignore a host of other practices that also contribute to an effective program.
I do believe, however, that the more of these ingredients a fleet puts into practice, the better its fleet safety performance will be. Put all of them in place and, after a couple of years, if not sooner, your accident rate is bound to rival the very best in the entire fleet industry: below 10 percent of your total number of vehicles and fewer than 6 crashes per million miles traveled. And, if you’re already at those levels, you should also see further improvement.
Vehicle Equipment
• 5-star rated vehicles
• Advance Driver Assistance Systems (chiefly, forward crash alert with automatic braking)
• Third brake light strobe (defends against being hit from the rear)
Distraction Suppression
• Cell-phone blocking technology
• Driver distraction alert system
• Ban all use of digital devices while driving (both hand-held and hands-free)
Driver Monitoring
• Continuous MVR monitoring
• Telematics that record high-risk driving behaviors
• Two-way dash cams
Driver training: Proactive and Reactive
• Behind the wheel (for all new hires and once every three years for all veteran drivers)
• Online, with test questions to signify completion
• Microlearning – continuous
• One-on-one driver coaching for high-risk drivers
• Driver wellness program
Driver Scorecards
• Including: MVR violations, telematics events, crash history, near-misses, accident severity, assigned safety lesson compliance
Timely Driver Crash Reviews
• With immediate field supervisors
Field management involvement
• Monthly safety review meetings
• Drive-alongs
• Safety performance job evaluations (at all levels)
Top-Level Management Engagement
• The C-Suite needs to be highly visible in setting goals and spelling the mutual advantages to the drivers, their families and the organization
Up-to-date fleet policy
• Centralized distraction policy for all business units and locations
• Reviewed annually and revised as needed
• Addressing the latest hazards
• Distributed electronically to and signed off by all fleet and grey fleet driver
• Consequences for bad driving behavior clearly spelled out and enforced on a consistent and timely basis
One final note: Where I’ve recommended systems, equipment and software, I’ve avoided naming suppliers. In some cases, there are many to choose from, and in others (like rear brake light strobes, cell phone blocking technology and dash-cam systems that warn drivers when they’re distracted), there is only one provider I know of, and I’ve written stories about them in this e-magazine. They’re not hard to find, however, but if you need help, just email me at [email protected].
