Managing a safe fleet of vehicles
Do you effectively manage your fleet of vehicles? It’s important to ensure your fleet is safe, and it can feel like a minefield if you don’t have a robust process in place, which can cause headaches and frustrations.
Fleet List
Ensure your fleet list is regularly updated, and contains details for every vehicle. This includes a registration number, model of vehicle, regular driver if applicable, road fund due date, insurance and MOT expiry, service due and Tachograph calibration (if applicable for 3.5 ton + vehicles).
Repair/Service Agreement
Have an agreement with a local reputable repair centre. Ensure they thoroughly inspect your vehicles for safety at regular intervals as per your service requirements.
Have an agreement with a local reputable repair centre. Ensure they thoroughly inspect your vehicles for safety at regular intervals as per your service requirements.
Driver Check and defect reporting
Make sure you have a driver safety check process that is completed on first use each day. Vocational drivers who will need to record the check process and any defects will benefit from this most. Remind your drivers that tyre, steering and brake defects all carry a fine and points on their licence. Implement a process for drivers to report defects that require repair.
Driver Management
Have a record of drivers and licence entitlements, and complete regular validity checks on licences to ensure continued entitlement, and to check for endorsements.
Training and Behaviour
Do you ensure drivers are well rested before carrying out driving for business? Have your drivers been trained on safe driving techniques? For Heavy vehicle operators on average fuel accounts for 30% of their operating costs, it is really worth considering fuel efficient driving training to reduce costs on fuel, maintenance bills as well as reducing the risk of accidents too, whether for heavy vehicles or cars.
As Autumn arrives and the nights draw in there is a reported 34% increase in accident rates among motorists between 5 and 8pm in the weeks following October clock change. According to Insurethebox.
Telematics?
Does someone monitor the driving style of drivers in your fleet? It may be worth checking this information as it gives data on erratic driving, speeding and harsh braking. This can assist to manage your fleet and drivers to support and reward safe driving.
Drug and Alcohol Policy and Training?
It goes without saying driving, drugs and alcohol don’t mix. It is important to train your staff to understand the impact of drugs and alcohol on their ability to drive, and whether it is something that is safe following a social night.
A driving at work policy?
Do you have a driving at work policy that highlights the expectations of drivers who drive on company business? A policy will cover the Driver including competency, training, fitness and health. It will cover the vehicle, suitability, condition and safety equipment. It also needs to address, routes, scheduling, time, distance and weather conditions.
Flagship Partners have a team of Transport Managers, Health and Safety and Human Resources Experts on hand to support you with your needs, so if you need support with your fleet, drivers and training, get in touch today.
