Developing a Comprehensive Fleet Safety Program
Safety is a paramount concern in the trucking industry, not only for the well-being of drivers but for the efficiency and reputation of the fleet and roadway motorists in general. Developing a comprehensive fleet safety program is crucial for minimizing risks and promoting a culture of safety within your organization. This guide will take you through the key steps to establish a robust fleet safety program.
What is a Fleet Safety Program?
A fleet safety program provides is a coordinated, comprehensive set of policies and procedures from driver training to vehicle maintenance, inspection procedures and compliance tracking focused on improving and maintaining the safety of all vehicles and drivers within your fleet.
Why is a Fleet Safety Program Important?
Injury-related crashes involving large trucks and buses have been on the rise since 2016, but not at nearly the same rate as fatal crashes. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses increased 52%. In 2021 alone, the number increased 17% compared to 2020. These numbers are according to the most recently available FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts at time of publication.
But the concern over fleet safety continues to be top of mind for fleet managers in 2024. According to a study by the J.J. Keller Center for Market Insights, more than 50% of surveyed fleet managers listed the following areas as their top concerns: driver knowledge and skills, overall safety, and managing company expenses to effectively avoid losses caused by breakdowns or accidents.
A fleet safety program protects truck drivers, fleet assets and the general public by implementing safety protocols that lower the likelihood of accidents, which in turn reduces costs and risk of loss for the company.
Key Components of a Fleet Safety Program
Driver Training and Continuous Education
According to a Crash Causation Study conducted by the FMCSA in 2007, 87% of large truck crashes with a critical reason for the crash indicated were caused by some form of driver error. Driver fatigue or illness, distraction or inattention, following too close or making an illegal maneuver were some of the associated factors noted in the study with the highest relative risk to increase the likelihood of a crash. Therefore, it is evident that upfront and ongoing training of drivers is a critical component of a fleet safety program.
- Implement regular training sessions that cover defensive driving techniques, compliance with traffic laws, and accident response procedures.
- Encourage continuous learning by providing access to up-to-date safety resources and training materials.
Vehicle Maintenance and Safety Checks
After driver error, vehicle error was the the next highest critical factor indicated within the FMCSA study. Systematic vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance is a requirement of FMCSA regulations, and every employee of the carrier that is directly involved with upkeep and inspection are responsible for the carrier’s compliance.
- Schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure all fleet vehicles are in optimal operating condition.
- Implement pre-trip and post-trip inspection routines for drivers to follow, ensuring any potential safety issues are addressed promptly. Focus on critical safety systems such as brakes, tires and lights.
Implementing Policies and Procedures
Creating Safety Policies
- Develop clear, comprehensive safety policies that outline expected behaviors and responsibilities for drivers and maintenance staff.
- Include policies on drug and alcohol use, fatigue management, and distraction avoidance.
Define Roles and Responsibilities
To ensure policies can be effectively executed, each individual within the company must understand their responsibility within the process. A RACI chart is an effective tool to make sure the right people are empowered to identify action is needed, act on needed items and communicate to the right people. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. For each safety policy, identify who is directly responsible for completing the work, who is ultimately accountable to ensure the work is completed, who should review and sign off on the work before it is considered done and who needs to be informed about the progress and completion of the work.
Enforcement of Safety Measures
- Set up a system for monitoring compliance with safety policies. Use logbooks, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and regular audits to ensure adherence.
- Establish consequences for violations of safety protocols to reinforce the importance of compliance.
Monitoring and Improving Fleet Safety
Data-Driven Safety Monitoring
- Utilize fleet management software to track safety metrics such as incident rates, compliance issues, and driver performance.
- Analyze data regularly to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
- Encourage feedback from drivers on safety issues and potential improvements. This can help identify unseen problems and foster a proactive safety culture.
- Regularly review and update safety policies and training programs based on feedback and new safety developments.
A comprehensive fleet safety program is an integral part of any trucking company’s operations. By investing in thorough training, stringent safety policies, and the latest technology, you can significantly reduce risks and create a safer working environment for your drivers. Remember, a safe fleet is a successful fleet.