There are a lot of businesses that run their own fleet of vehicles on the road. Haulage and shipping companies often have large vehicles driving around the clock, and it’s in the interest of these businesses to ensure that their safety policies and procedures are up to date and working correctly. You are entrusting those behind the wheel to not only ensure that the vehicles are safe, but those other road users and themselves are well looked after while they are occupying the road.
It can be quite difficult to imagine everything that could go wrong on the road, especially because managers are not out on the road with the drivers. It’s as much your responsibility as an employer to keep your drivers safe, just as it would be if they were in an office alongside you. It’s not just up to you to ensure they are insured correctly, but that they have the right equipment, such as PEAKHD coolant and diesel fluid, on board. This should be alongside a first aid kit and any safety equipment necessary. So, to know that you are doing everything to keep your drivers safe on the road, check this list and tighten up where necessary.
Safety Policy. Being in the business of transportation, you should already know that you should have a road safety policy dictated for all your staff. You should ensure that it covers not only the vehicle safety and maintenance requirements, but the management responsibilities to the drivers and journey planning. You have to show that you are strict with it and will enforce it so that your staff know that they are looked after.
Road Safety. As part of your training programme, you should include a road safety programme. You should ensure that your people are well-trained on what to expect on the road and what to expect when looking after the vehicle that they are driving.
Data Collection. There are systems for vehicle monitoring that you can buy to monitor the driving habits of your staff. Instant feedback programmes are an investment for your company, and you will be able to follow up quickly with any extra training that is required for staff who aren’t following procedure.
Service Reminders. As management, you should be aware of when your vehicles need servicing. Large diesel and petrol engines need looking at regularly so that they stay performing correctly. You can use digital calendars or fleet management solutions to help you to remember.
Zero Tolerance Policy. Cell phones are not permitted while driving, and when you run a business should you have cameras in the vehicles to monitor things like that. The use of a cell phone while driving can make the driver 4x more likely to crash their vehicle; you don’t need the bad press, the liability or the costs to recover after that happening.
You have a duty of care not just for your business, but your drivers and the vehicles that you purchase for the road. Be safety conscious and you’ll ensure your fleet stays safe and healthy on the road.
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