The third Safety Survey conducted by USA publications, Heavy Duty Truck and Work Truck, reveals that well-maintained vehicles are the most critical aspect of safety strategies amongst fleet managers of medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Several other strategies were revealed as being of similar importance to fleet managers. They voted the following as their top safety strategies:
- Well-maintained vehicles (88%)
- Written policies and procedures (67%)
- Strict driver hiring standards (59%)
- Driver training (57%)
- Creating a culture of safety (56%)
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the survey is an illustration of the importance of ongoing maintenance. “This is a strategy that can easily and effectively be implemented in any organisation. Ensuring regular maintenance, avoiding shortcuts to try save a quick buck and including drivers in vehicle maintenance can all have a significant impact on safety.
“Another interesting aspect is that driver training plays a role in the other four strategies identified as essential to safety. While driver training is a separate strategy on its own, it is also with training that the other strategies can be more effectively implemented,” says Herbert.
Well-maintained vehicles
MasterDrive includes comprehensive vehicle inspections in their training. “When a driver is required to perform these inspections before embarking on a trip, they can identify maintenance needs or issues with vehicles well in advance. If necessary, the truck can be removed from commission rather than risk the safety of drivers and others on the road by leaving for a trip unaware of an issue,” says Herbert.
Written policies and procedures
It is primarily through driver training that drivers are equipped with the tools to meet the written policies and procedures. “If drivers are not fully aware of their role in meeting these written procedures and given the skills to fulfil this, then policies can be in place but are unlikely to be effective,” says Herbert.
Strict driver hiring standards
Other information the survey revealed is that driver training is important when making new hires. “According to the survey, 79% of fleet managers say safety-related training is most often undertaken when first onboarding. This is an essential part of ensuring all drivers meet the safety standards of your organisation,” says Herbert.
Creating a culture of safety
When driver training is prioritised, a culture of safety naturally results. “Part of ingraining safety into a culture is leading by example, including espousing the road safety values expected of drivers but equipping them to achieve this and appreciate why certain driving is essential to handle every encounter on the road.”
The survey clearly indicates driver training is at the core of many driver safety strategies. “If your organisation does not include driver training in their safety interventions, investigate its importance to road safety. If you do implement all these strategies, be sure to illustrate your role in promoting road safety by entering the Fleet Safety Awards 2024!” says Herbert.
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