FLEETDRIVE
A comprehensive safety policy should explore the following subjects in a decisive and clear manner for employees ’ understanding .
• Setting minimum equipment and behaviour levels
• Alcohol and Drugs policies
• Fatigue management and prevention
• Speeding
• Mobile phones – their use and risks
• Seatbelts
• Accessories
Drivers and employees should be given an opportunity to review safety policies and ask any questions if anything is unclear . Once the policies are in place it ’ s up to the organisation to enforce it .
Driver Support
Safety strategies surrounding the driver are key in a successful and safe fleet as these are the people on the roads with the vehicle . Creating a system of support and a safety-focused workplace culture will lead to happy drivers getting home at the end of the day .
Monitoring driver performance and behaviour can create an opportunity to reward drivers who don ’ t engage in risky driving behaviour , creating an extra incentive for employees to drive more carefully and further enforcing a safety-conscious workplace culture .
Driver support can also come in the form of regular ( but not excessive ) safety and driving courses . Training can focus on sharing safety tips and general precautions for drivers . Classes could be behind the wheel , in a class or online depending on an organisation ’ s resources .
The Vehicle
An organisations fleet vehicles fall into the realm of safety for several different factors – some obvious and some not so much .
Safety strategies surrounding the vehicle can be greatly important even before adding to the fleet as this is the time to assess a vehicle ’ s safety equipment , ratings , and reliability .
AfMA ’ s Fleet Management Guide proposes the following questions when exploring at vehicle safety .
• Is safety equipment properly fitted and maintained ?
• Is safety equipment appropriate and in good working order ?
• Are seatbelts and head restraints fitted correctly and do they function properly ?
• What is the vehicle ’ s ANCAP safety rating ?
• Can the vehicle be easily maintained ? Safety Technology
Fleet operators today have access to an array of safety technologies that can monitor driver behaviour , track the vehicle in real time , track and schedule vehicle maintenance and collect several other types of analytical data . Telematics have had a positive effect on fleet safety by providing organisations large amounts of data to better develop effective safety strategies .
Evaluate and Maintain
The fleet industry is an ever-changing entity which means safe fleet practices must evolve with it . Safety strategies should be evaluated and adapted regularly to keep up with new challenges and risks which will surface tomorrow .
ISSUE 37 OCTOBER 2022 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 7