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How to Implement a Fleet Safety Program--Driver
Training, Orientation, Company Expectations
Defensive Driving & Other Education
Each driver in your fleet should take a safe driving course within six
months of being hired or immediately on the implementation of the fleet
safety program. The course can be:
- One of the numerous driving courses available, including the National
Safety Council Defensive Driving course;
- A program you develop in-house; or
- A program offered by or through your fleet insurance carrier. Often
insurance companies outsource the driver training to other companies
that will provide the training in a classroom setting or online.
After the initial training, drivers should receive periodic brief refreshers
which may include:
- Short discussions;
- Memos;
- Payroll stuffers; and/or
- Newsletter articles.
Drivers who have previously completed a defensive driving course or similar
class may be exempt from the initial training, but still should participate
in the refreshers. Be sure to document the training and all refreshers.
Vehicle Orientation
Employees must be familiar with the vehicle(s) they will be operating.
The orientation to the vehicle should include any of its unique characteristics
and features, such as:
- Anti-lock brakes;
- Remote control mirrors;
- Seatbelt and head restraint adjustments; and
- Anti-theft devices.
Vehicles with diesel engines also have unique characteristics. You should
also point out the location of the MSDS binder.
Orientations should be provided to:
- Any employee who's assigned to a different vehicle; and
- All employees whenever new vehicles are added to the fleet.
Company Expectations
Of course, you expect your drivers to handle their vehicles safely. But
to be clear, your fleet safety program should outline these expectations.
Your drivers should understand that you expect them to:
- Conduct regular vehicle safety inspections per department policy,
keep the vehicle in good operating condition, and report any mechanical
or equipment problems to their supervisor.
- Practice defensive driving and courtesy to prevent accidents
and traffic violations.
- Observe all the rules of the road, including the use of turn
signals, yielding the right of way, adhering to speed limits and maintaining
safe following distance.
- Use headlights (not parking lights) during times of reduced
visibility, such as snow, rain, drizzle, fog and twilight.
- Allow only authorized persons to operate or ride in vehicles.
- Never use the vehicles for personal use (e.g., hauling furniture,
driving children to school, shopping, etc.).
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Never leave the vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition
and/or the motor running.
- Always lock the vehicle when it's unattended.
- Use seatbelts at all times and ensure that passengers do so
as well.
- Report to the supervisor immediately any moving violations,
accidents or changes in license status.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If medication
is prescribed, the doctor or pharmacist should confirm that it will
not affect the ability to drive. The same is true of over-the-counter
medications, such as cold remedies containing antihistamine, which can
cause drowsiness.
- Avoid using a cell phone while driving. If it is necessary
to use the phone, pull safely off the road, make the call and then safely
resume driving. Hands-free devices have limited value in reducing the
distractions associated with phone use while driving.
- Review and be familiar with the MSDSs provided in the vehicle
for all chemicals present including fuel, lubricants, coolant, brake
and power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid
and battery acid along with any de-icing and cleaning products kept
in the vehicle.
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