Managing a trucking fleet can be stressful. It comes with many responsibilities, and you must keep operations running efficiently. However, few things cause lost sleep for fleet managers than the possibility of accidents.
A truck accident can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and lost productivity. Beyond that, you must also consider the human cost of trucking accidents. The vehicles are large, and collisions often lead to substantial injuries for the occupants of other vehicles.
When talking to a truck accident attorney, they said the injuries typical to truck accidents are often more severe than with other traffic collisions. They are more likely to be life-altering or fatal. Along with that, the costs of lawsuits and settlements in these accidents also tend to be higher.
But what can fleet managers do to reduce the risk of these accidents? This post will explore practices and policies fleet managers can implement to reduce the risk of truck accidents.
Prioritize Truck Maintenance
Preventing accidents starts with vehicle maintenance. Drivers should complete a safety inspection checklist before each trip. That checklist should include examining brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, fluid levels, and more. Beyond that, routine scheduled maintenance from professional mechanics is also essential. The maintenance team should keep schedules for inspections and replacements for various truck parts or systems.
It is also important to have all repairs, replacements, and maintenance procedures performed on time or as soon as an issue is identified. Delaying repairs can turn minor problems into major safety risks. It can also increase your liability if an accident occurs and it is discovered that you failed to perform repairs in a timely manner. Fleet managers should also consider installing software solutions to help maintenance teams keep track of scheduling and tasks.
Proper Training and Licensing
A fleet can’t operate safely without capable drivers. That means you must ensure drivers have the necessary training and licenses to operate the vehicle. You should also have training programs to integrate new drivers with your company. Start with programs covering basic truck handling and advanced defensive driving techniques. Assess new drivers with practical road tests to ensure they possess the necessary skills before assigning them routes.
It may also help to have mentorship or monitoring programs for new drivers when they start with the company. Have them ride with an experienced driver or training specialist for a time as they learn their route and become familiar with the truck. A little practical experience with a seasoned professional can provide insights and learning opportunities beyond formal training.
Encourage Driver Breaks
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of accidents in the trucking industry. One way to prevent this is through encouraging rest breaks. Start by understanding hours of service regulations and adhering to them. Beyond just encouraging breaks, it is important to tell drivers they shouldn’t try to push through if they feel tired. Another point is route planning. Map routes out that have enough rest stops for drivers to get sufficient breaks.
Scheduling Practices
Fleet managers also need to realize that their scheduling practices can contribute to safety. It might not happen out on the road, but it can influence the driving habits of operators. Tight deadlines can pressure drivers into unsafe behaviors, such as speeding or skipping necessary breaks. It all starts with considering each route individually and being realistic.
Incorporate flexible scheduling to allow drivers to take breaks without feeling rushed. Take the pressure off drivers by setting reasonable delivery timelines that account for potential delays like traffic or weather. Route optimization tools can help plan more efficient paths, reducing stress and fatigue. Additionally, consider the size and weight of each load when scheduling to avoid overburdening drivers.
Loading Practices
Proper loading is critical for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing accidents. Ensure that cargo is evenly distributed across the truck to avoid unbalanced loads, which can make handling difficult and increase the risk of rollovers. Secure all items with the necessary restraints to prevent shifting during transit, which could cause the driver to lose control. You should also ensure training for drivers and loading teams on best practices for loading and securing cargo.
Deploy Monitoring Systems
Driver training and maintenance can only take you so far. Even with the best training, screening, and scheduling, you can’t always guarantee drivers will follow the rules. That’s where monitoring systems can be a valuable tool for ensuring safety. GPS and other monitoring tools allow fleet managers to track vehicle speed, location, and driver behavior in real time. Beyond allowing you to monitor safety, knowing the system is there can act as a deterrent for drivers who may break the rules.
Ongoing Education
Driver education shouldn’t end the moment they’re hired and handling a route. Ongoing education is a critical element of maintaining safety in your fleet. Beyond initial training, regular refresher courses keep drivers up-to-date on the latest regulations, company policies, and safety measures. These courses can offer reminders and updates on topics like avoiding distractions, managing hazardous weather, and monitoring vehicle blind spots.
With this article, you have a roadmap for increasing safety in your trucking fleet. However, each fleet has unique concerns that may require attention. Fleet managers should consider performing a complete safety audit or hiring safety consultants to help implement these policies and practices.
