FLEETDRIVE communication protocols minimise unnecessary contact with employees while driving. Ongoing education can help drivers better understand and manage distraction risks.
Regional and remote driving
Driving in regional and remote areas presents unique challenges, including wildlife hazards, limited mobile coverage, changing weather conditions and longer emergency response times.
Fleet managers should review journey management procedures, ensure vehicles are appropriately equipped and confirm driver welfare check-in processes are effective. Route risks and weather conditions should be assessed before travel begins.
Driver fitness for duty
Fitness for duty extends beyond drugs and alcohol. Fatigue, illness, stress and prescription medications can all affect a driver ' s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Employers should regularly review fitness-forduty processes, drug and alcohol policies, and driver education programs. Wellbeing initiatives can also play an important role in supporting safe driving behaviour and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.
Protecting vulnerable road users
With increasing numbers of cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists using Australian roads, organisations must ensure drivers can safely navigate complex traffic environments.
Regular defensive driving and hazard perception training can help drivers identify risks earlier and make safer decisions. Safe passing practices, incident reviews and ongoing coaching should form part of a continuous improvement approach to fleet safety.
Turning awareness into action
Regularly reviewing fleet safety policies is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. By focusing on key risk areas, investing in driver capability and reinforcing safe driving behaviours, organisations can reduce operational risk and better protect their people on the road.
NRMA Corporate Driver Training partners with organisations to deliver practical, evidence-based training programs that strengthen driver capability and support a positive safety culture. Through driver assessments, defensive driving programs, one-on-one coaching and heavy vehicle training, businesses can improve safety outcomes while meeting their workplace obligations.
ISSUE 60 AUGUST 2026 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU 33