FLEET SAFETY
BY : SCOTT MCINERNEY STERLING INSURANCE
The Basics Of Fleet Safety
When it comes to claims for businesses , especially injury claims , fleet vehicle incidents are often somewhere near the top of the list . In fact , according to fact sheets released by the National Safety Council , the average cost of losses relating to vehicle accidents was close to $ 70,000 . That number is nearly double the average cost of a workplace injury . Without taking fleet safety into account , you not only risk your employees ’ welfare but also the welfare of your company as a whole . While a normal safety program will do more for you than having nothing will , it is more efficient and cost effective to design a formal fleet safety program .
With a fleet safety program in place , the procedures and policies required to ensure a safe working environment for drivers will be in place . Additionally , liabilities from vehicle accidents can be , at least partially , alleviated . When it comes to driving , unpredictability is king . The road is a dangerous place , and there is really no way to tell whether an accident will or will not occur . With that in mind , a fleet safety program can help alleviate some potential risks .
Here are some things to consider when developing your fleet safety program :
• types of training techniques — some are more efficient than others
• push defensive driving techniques as a standard
• implement safety programs for drivers
• discourage cell-phone use while driving
• encourage drivers to always use seat belts and respect traffic laws such as speed limits and signage
• avoid driving in dangerous conditions
• encourage the use of the parking brake any time the vehicle is left unattended
• formalize vehicle inspection , repair , and maintenance
• understand how to manage accidents and claims if they occur
Once a plan has been established , that doesn ’ t end everything . A regular commitment should be made to screen , test , inspect , and train in accordance with the plan . The safety culture that you develop should also be ensured to filter down to the people who will actually be doing the driving . After all , a plan won ’ t help anyone if nobody knows what the plan is to begin with .
At Sterling , we utilize our Risk Path Process
to get an in-depth assessment of our clients ’ risks and needs . This allows us to learn about and uncover concerns they may have in order to better address them . Part of that process is helping clients implement and enhance programs , including fleet safety and driver training programs . Our goal is to help make companies better tomorrow than they are today and to minimize claims .
Don ’ t let your safety go unnoticed . Keep your drivers safe , and make sure they have what they need to be successful on the road . For more information and help implementing your own fleet safety program , contact Scott at 586-685-0134 or via email at smcinerney @ sterlingagency . com . +
Scott McInerney has been in the Insurance Industry for just over 15 years . His primary focus is on providing Risk Management strategies to clients within the Manufacturing , Construction , Human Services , and Marina sectors . Scott is a Certified Risk Architect as well as a Certified Authority on Workers Compensation . Scott loves working with clients to improve their Risk Profiles while providing the proper coverage to protect all aspects of their business . Contact him at smcinerney @ sterlingagency or ( 586 ) 685-0134 .
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