When you run a company that uses fleets, the safety of your fleet and drivers should always be one of your top concerns. There is always room for improvement when it comes to safety and reduces accidents.

Implement Telematics - Telematics technology can improve fleet safety. Telematics is a program that provides insight into aggressive driving such as acceleration and deceleration events, idle time, and speeding. Managers are then notified of the driving behavior, which allows them to act and correct their drivers’ behavior to save on future mistakes.

New-hire Training - After being hired as a driver for your fleet, he or she should begin their training in the classroom. This is even before stepping foot in the vehicle. In their training they will learn from basic knowledge on the rules of the road to how to react and steps to take in certain situations like after an accident. You should include training on your fleet’s specific safety policies at this time, so they can be knowledgeable in your expectations before they hit the road for the first time.

Rely on People - Even though the technology is amazing, we still should rely on human contact and information. Ride along coaching sessions help improve safety within the fleet. Possibly have a supervisor ride along and monitor driving behavior and give tips and advice to establish safe driving habits. Other drivers around the fleet can also give good or bad feedback. By placing a call-in number on the back of their company’s vehicles, that allowed those drivers the ability to call and provide feedback.

Consistent and Persistent Communication - It is a good idea for fleet managers and branch managers to stay in consistent communication with their drivers. This can include presenting drivers with weekly or monthly scorecards that break down driving behavior, other driver calls, and any other violations that may have occurred that they should be aware of.

Situational Awareness Training - Training your drivers to be more cautious in certain areas or situations can only benefit the safety of your fleet. Knowing when to lower your speed is a way to avoid accidents. Most accidents were simple rear endings and backing up into other vehicles. By knowing where and in what situation an accident is likely to occur, fleets can act and develop training initiatives to combat the issue.

Policy Enforcement - When non-compliant driver behavior is flagged fleet or branch manager must act in order to ensure the behavior doesn’t happen again. The first step is to immediately follow up with the driver to make sure they’re aware of the behavior. The second step is to implement training or to be sure that the driver doesn’t repeat their mistakes. Unfortunately, if they do repeat their mistakes, the next discipline could be suspension, followed by termination.

No matter your repair or maintenance needs, our expert technicians have you covered. For the best fleet service shop in Chesapeake, VA, call or stop by Taylor Automotive Service today.

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