Does your business have a truck fleet? It might be vital to your operations, but having a fleet can be a significant source of stress. There’s always the worry that one of the vehicles could be in an accident. When it does occur, the potential fallout and financial costs can be considerable.
When asked, a truck accident attorney at Chopin Law said, “The costs of an accident can be immense for a trucking company. Even beyond the cost of a lawsuit and paying tens or even hundreds of thousands in settlements, you must consider operational costs. The vehicle or the cargo might suffer damage in the accident. It might result in a loss of productivity and increased insurance premiums. If the company is underinsured, the financial impact can be devastating.”
Fortunately, there is a lot a fleet manager can do to prevent accidents. With the right steps, you can increase safety and protect the business from significant financial losses.
This post will explore steps managers can take to reduce truck accident risks.
Start With Training
Proper training and licensing are the foundation of preventing truck accidents. Start by hiring drivers with the appropriate credentials, such as a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). New drivers should receive training that covers defensive driving techniques, understanding the vehicle and its limits, and various safe driving practices.
However, training shouldn’t end after onboarding. Establish ongoing programs to update drivers on evolving safety regulations, new technologies, and best practices. Regular refresher courses and safety meetings can also keep these practices and ideas fresh in drivers’ minds. It may also help to have new drivers ride with experienced professionals before going out alone.
Invest in Vehicle Maintenance
Maintaining your trucks is essential to ensuring fleet safety and preventing accidents caused by mechanical failures. A lack of maintenance increases the risk of issues like brake failures or tire blowouts when the trucks are on the road. These types of mechanical failures can lead to accidents. That means you must develop protocols for preventative maintenance.
That starts with having skilled maintenance professionals on your team. Your maintenance teams should develop practices and schedules for routine maintenance. They should also perform regular inspections to catch issues early. The maintenance team must also keep detailed records of all issues and repairs. It is also essential to address all repair issues immediately rather than letting them wait.
Proper Load Security
Improper loading can be another issue that creates risk for trucking fleets. Incorrectly secured or unbalanced loads can shift during transit, increasing the risk of rollovers, cargo spills, or loss of vehicle control. Make sure loading personnel are properly trained and that they understand practices for secure loading. Teach drivers about proper loading and provide the necessary straps and other equipment. If drivers have multiple stops, have them inspect the remaining load after every stop.
Policies for Driver Breaks
Fatigue can be a significant issue for drivers. If drivers get tired or feel burnt out on the road, they can lose focus and possibly cause an accident. That means fleet managers should set policies for driver breaks and limit maximum operating hours between breaks. The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations are a good place to start. However, there is more to consider.
Scheduling can be one issue with drivers skipping breaks or trying to push the limits for service hours. Plan routes with realistic delivery timelines to prevent drivers from feeling rushed or tempted to skip rest periods. Various software tools can help fleet managers optimize routes and set realistic schedules. It is also important to allow time for issues like traffic or weather.
A Culture of Safety
Fleet managers should work to develop a culture of safety among drivers. The first step is to create a clear set of safety practices and protocols for drivers to follow. For example, set policies for pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and incident reporting. Regularly discuss issues like distracted driving and remind your team to handle things like paperwork while parked.
Regular safety meetings and refresher sessions can reinforce the importance of these measures and encourage compliance. You can also use these meetings to involve drivers in developing safety practices and policies. Experienced drivers may identify issues before management. They may also have insights into issues or practices that could improve safety.
Deploy Monitoring Tools
Even with the policies and practices, some drivers might fail to comply. That’s where various monitoring systems can be useful. Things like cameras, GPS, and telematics can provide information on driver behavior. It could catch unsafe driving practices or whether drivers are taking their breaks. What makes these systems even better is that drivers are more likely to follow the rules when they know the vehicle has them.
Beyond monitoring behavior and writing drivers up for failures, managers could consider incentivizing safe driving. A little recognition for safe driving or having an accident-free record can go a long way. Drivers might feel an additional incentive if there is a gift or cash bonus that comes with it. For example, you could reward drivers for reaching certain mileage marks without having an incident.Most trucking accidents are preventable. With these steps, you can reduce your risk. Beyond saving money, having a good safety record can also help you maintain a more positive reputation.
