Estimates show that the social cost of a motor vehicle accident averages at $4.8 billion. If there is a serious injury, the social cost equates to $458,400 each, while each minor injury equates to $24,700. These figures show how important it is for transport companies to reduce accident rates and loss costs.
One of the best places to start is management. Management has the ability to implement best practices and truck driving safety tips that can significantly reduce accident rates among fleets.
These changes can slash loss costs, free up revenue, and pose a significant ROI for transportation companies. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, fewer expenses, and less disruption.
To realise these benefits today, keep reading. We are about to share with you five truck driving safety tips that management can implement to reduce accident rates within fleets.
One of the most impactful truck driving safety tips is investing in technologies that are guaranteed to increase driver safety.
Implementing road safety technologies is one of the key ways to reduce loss costs.
An example of this is telematics. Telematics blends telecommunications and vehicular technologies. Telematics technology for trucks generally combines GPS functions along with on-board diagnostics. These read the movements of the truck.
Telematics allows management to monitor trucks within their fleets. It also enables managers to keep tabs on the driving habits of truck operators.This is thanks to the fact that telematics technology can register driving patterns. These include speeding, swerving, and excessive lane changing. This provides valuable data that goes far beyond what can be gotten from a driver’s record. Management can use this data to implement coaching and provide feedback to drivers.
In addition to telematics, managers should also look into the use of dashboard cameras. This is another technology that can increase driver safety levels.
Dashboard cameras monitor the inside and outside of truck cabins. They also provide alerts to fleet managers of unsafe driving behaviours. In addition, the camera technology can be used to communicate with drivers. This means that managers have the opportunity to dole out tips for truck drivers in real-time. This provides a useful feedback and alert system.
What’s more, dash cameras are also indispensable witnesses in accident claims as they provide valuable harsh accident footage that can be used during claims processes. Having these video records can significantly reduce claim costs.
Dashboard cameras can also reduce collision costs. Sources state the majority of trucking companies spend roughly 30% of fleet budgets on preventable collisions. Leveraging trucking safety technologies can bring this number down to a relatively low cost. Thanks to this, these technologies promise a high potential ROI.
Another technology transportation companies can implement is automatic breaking.
Automatic braking technologies cause trucks to automatically slow down or stop. This action is triggered within a certain range of another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object.
The advantages of these systems are clear. Many countries are phasing in laws to make automatic braking systems mandatory in new vehicles. In some areas, all new trucks will soon be equipped with automatic braking systems.
To increase trucking safety, transportation companies should look into early adoption. Management should all newly purchased trucks are fitted with automatic breaks. Existing trucks can also be retrofitted with automatic braking systems. This will increase safety without the need for premature fleet replacements.
One of the top safe driving tips for truck drivers managers can implement is on-going training. Long hours on the road and routine habits can cause truck operators to place less emphasis on safety practices. What’s more, new policies are continually rolling out.
To maintain the safety and focus of drivers, transportation companies need to invest in regular training. It’s important for management to ensure that the safety training is engaging in order to maintain drivers’ attention. One of the ways to do this is through interactive activities. Games, quizzes, and discussions are all effective methods for increasing engagement.
It’s important to note that training should not just consist of routine pamphlets and videos. Only good, involved training will help.
By increasing maintenance check-ups, transport companies can reduce the risk of accidents. To achieve this, managing teams can institute regular truck maintenance check-ups at depots. They should also encourage fleet drivers to conduct their own checks along the road, especially if they feel anything is out of the ordinary.
Although trucking safety is implemented on the road, it starts in the office.
If you spearhead these safety practices, you will be protecting your company’s bottom line by reducing claims and loss costs.
Speaking of claims, do you need assistance with yours? Contact us today to find out how we can help you.