8 Elements of a Fleet Safety Program

For any business that operates a fleet—large or small—a formal fleet safety program offers significant advantages. It can enhance driver safety, boost employee satisfaction, and even improve overall operational efficiency.

Equally important is ensuring every vehicle in your fleet is properly insured. Comprehensive commercial auto coverage protects your business, your employees, and your bottom line.

why have a fleet safety program

Fleet vehicle accidents can be extremely costly for a business. The average cost of a loss related to vehicle accidents is approximately $70,000, almost twice the cost of the average workplace injury ($36,592).

A fleet safety program establishes the necessary policies and procedures that help ensure a safe work environment, and can help protect against liability from vehicle accidents.

8 Elements of a Fleet Safety program

Effective fleet safety programs must be comprehensive, up to date, and part of your company’s safety culture. It should be thorough, reaching each employee who gets behind the wheel. And the commitment has to start at the top with management.

#1 Identify your drivers

Identify everyone who drives on behalf of your business, even employees who use personal and/or rented vehicles.

#2 Management commitment

Leadership’s support of the program helps assure that the program is actually used.

#3 Screen and select drivers carefully

Establish clear hiring standards and a thorough screening process for anyone driving on company business. This can help create a reliable, safe team.

#4 Train drivers

All drivers should have access to information on safe driving strategies and techniques, including instruction in defensive driving. This helps ensure all drivers understand vehicle safety policies and procedures.

#5 Manage drivers on an ongoing basis

Actively managing drivers helps ensure that they are driving safely and are following fleet safety rules.

#6 Manage accidents when they occur

Managing accidents when they occur helps mitigate accident costs. It can increase understanding of your exposures and can reduce the potential for future losses.