FLEETDRIVE approach across the fleet . Let ’ s unpack that statement . ‘ Applicable ’ means the most effective , value-for-money ( on a WOL cost basis ) vehicle , so “ safest applicable ” means the safest , effective vehicle that meets the value threshold . ‘ Category approach ’ means segmenting your fleet into groups rather than adopting a ‘ one-shoe-fits-all ’ approach . Some examples might be useful here .
If your fleet is 100 % passenger vehicles then there is really only one category – passenger – and mandating 5-star makes sense as there are many available make / model options . Your fleet may comprise passenger and light commercial , including 4WDs . If these vehicles are all NA ( Light Goods Vehicles < 3,500kg ) and are predominantly metro / urban based , then 5-star once again makes sense due to a wide range of vehicles to choose from . ( It may mean changing supplier if a certain make / model is no longer 5-star , or when tested and achieves 4-star , say . But you still have alternative make / models to source from .)
If your fleet includes passenger , light commercial , and “ Medium Goods ” vehicles ( NB ) then it makes sense to categorise your fleet policy accordingly :
Passenger vehicle Light Commercial
5-star ANCAP 5-star ANCAP
Medium Commercial Internal policy comprising mandatory and preferred safety features .
An example of mandatory and preferred safety features is given below :
Mandatory safety features :
• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Curtain ( side ) airbags
• Driver ’ s knee airbag
• Pre-tensioning seatbelts
• ABS ( anti-lock brakes )
• ESC ( stability control )
• EBD ( electronic brake-force distribution )
• Side impact protection
• Reverse camera .
Preferred safety features :
• Additional airbags
• Side impact protection complying with ADR85
• AEB ( autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection ). This is compulsory on new vehicles < 3,500kg from 1 / 3 / 2023 .
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert ( style-side models )
• Daytime running lights .
This list is just a guide and each fleet will determine their own minimum safety requirements based on a comprehensive risk analysis involving all relevant parties .
Sourcing vehicles that do not have an ANCAP rating , or do not meet 5-star , but are required operationally is possible as long as a rigorous process is followed as described above . It is important to ensure that the vehicle meets all Australian regulatory requirements . It is also important to ensure that your fleet safety policy accurately reflects the approach taken and is regularly reviewed and updated as vehicle safety features and testing change .
The following wording which could be used in a fleet safety policy summarises the key points of this article : “ Company X values the safety of its staff and will source the safest vehicles available , within each fleet category , which are fit-for-purpose and represent best value to the organisation . This will mean five-star ANCAPrated vehicles in some categories but , where no rating or a lower rating exists , a comprehensive list of safety features will inform and drive decision-making .”
ISSUE 43 OCTOBER 2023 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU 13