Getting Driver Safety Right: Part 2 " Driver Safety Policy "

In today's fast-paced business world, companies rely heavily on their fleets of vehicles to transport goods, deliver services, and connect with customers. But with this increased reliance on vehicles comes a heightened responsibility to ensure the safety of both employees and the general public. This is where a substantial driver safety policy plays a pivotal role.

It lets employees know what is expected of them when they are driving on company business and what to do if something goes wrong, as well as offering protection to the employer in the event of a accident

“If you haven’t got a policy, how is a driver expected to know what to do?”

Why is a Driver Safety Policy Crucial?

Imagine you're driving for work and get into an accident. Or you narrowly avoid one due to another driver's carelessness.?

What will you do??

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), having a comprehensive driver safety policy can reduce accidents by up to 25%.”

“A driver safety policy is like a roadmap for safe driving. It tells you what to do in these situations and how to report them. It also makes sure everyone understands what's expected of them when it comes to driving safely.”

Here are some reasons why a driver safety policy is important:

• It prevents accidents. A clear policy helps drivers understand what safe driving means and how to avoid accidents.
• It protects employees. A policy in place ensures that employees know what to do in case of an accident or near-miss.
• It protects company assets. A policy helps prevent accidents that could damage company vehicles or property.
• It protects the community. A policy promotes safe driving and helps keep everyone on the roads safe.

If you're an employer, it's important to have a driver safety policy in place. It's an investment in the well-being of your employees, your company, and the community.

What does a driver safety policy include?

This is not only a matter of legal obligation but also a company expectation. Here's what it usually talks about:

1. Follow the Rules

The policy says that everyone must follow the traffic rules. It's not just about following the law, but it's also what the company expects from its employees.

2. Avoiding Big Accidents

The policy talks about four things that often cause really bad accidents:

• Speeding: It reminds everyone to drive the right speed and be careful in different situations.
• Feeling Tired: It tells drivers about how being tired can make driving dangerous, especially during long trips or when you haven't slept enough.
• Getting Distracted: The policy says you should not use your phone, GPS, or eat while driving.
• Being Under the Influence: It talks about not driving if you've had alcohol, drugs, or even certain medicines that can make you not focused.

3. What to Do in Emergencies

The policy also talks about what to do if something goes wrong, like if your car breaks down or you're in an accident. It's all about making sure everyone stays safe.

4. Taking Care of Yourself

It reminds everyone to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally. Being in good shape helps you drive better.

5. Planning Trips

The policy suggests planning trips carefully. It might set limits on how far you can drive in one go and might encourage using video calls instead of traveling when it's not necessary.

How should the policy be presented?

Presenting a driver safety policy effectively is crucial for ensuring it's understood and followed by everyone. Here's how it could be done:

1. Separation of Policies

Having two distinct policies, one focused on driver safety and another more detailed handbook on occupational road risk, helps prevent information overload. It avoids overwhelming drivers with too much information in one go.

2. Clear and Concise Driver Safety Policy

The driver safety policy should be the main highlight - a short, focused document, around four pages, that directly outlines what the company expects from its drivers. It should be straightforward, without too much extra information that might dilute the important rules.

3. Precise Dos and Don'ts

This policy should clearly state what drivers should and shouldn't do. For instance, instead of lengthy explanations, a simple and direct rule like "Don't speed" should stand out clearly.

4. Quick Reference Guide

This concise policy acts as a quick guide that drivers can easily refer to. It should cover expectations, incident handling, and essential rules. This way, drivers can quickly understand what's expected of them when they're driving company vehicles.

5. Promoting a Safe Culture

By focusing on a clear, brief policy, the aim is to create a culture of responsibility on the road. Drivers are more likely to understand and follow clear and simple rules, making the roads safer for everyone.

So, by keeping the driver safety policy short, direct, and easy to understand, you're more likely to ensure that drivers get the key points without feeling overwhelmed by too much information.

How often a policy should be updated?

Hey there! Ever wonder why we need to check our rulebook regularly? Well, here's the deal:

1. Laws Change a Lot

You know how laws can change, right? Well, if our rulebook doesn't keep up, we might end up not following the new rules. So, checking our rules every year helps us stay on the right side of the law.

2. Our Company Grows and Shifts

Our company is like a big puzzle, and sometimes we add new pieces or change the way they fit together. If we don't update our rulebook, it might not match how we do things now. We want our rules to fit like a glove!

3. No Confusion Zone

Imagine if the rules in our book don't match what we actually do. That could lead to some head-scratching and confusion. So, updating our rules helps everyone understand what's what.

4. Keeping Up with the Times

You know how things change around us? Our rulebook needs to keep up too. If something becomes a big deal, like new ways of doing things or what's safe, we want our rules to be in the loop.

5. Getting Better at Safety

We're all about safety, right? By checking and updating our rules often, we can make sure we're using the best tricks and tips to keep everyone safe and sound.

So, checking our rulebook every year is like giving it a little check-up. It keeps us legal, in sync with how we work, avoids confusion, stays current with the world, and helps us be top-notch at keeping everyone safe. Cool, right?

Safe Driving Policy Checklist

Hey there! If you're planning to create a safe driving policy? Here's a handy checklist to ensure you've got all the important bases covered:

Before You Start Driving

• Driving for Work: Understanding the responsibilities while driving for work purposes.
• Safer Journey Planning: Tips for planning routes to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Fitness to Drive: Guidelines on being in the right condition to drive, considering factors like fatigue or impairment.

Vehicle Safety

• Pre-Drive Vehicle Checks: Checklists for ensuring the vehicle's readiness before hitting the road.
• Secure Loads: Tips on properly securing items being transported.

While You're Behind the Wheel

• Good Driving Practices: Guidelines for safe and responsible driving behavior.
• Safe Speed: Understanding and adhering to safe speed limits.
• Avoiding Distractions: Tips on staying focused and minimizing distractions while driving.
• Motorway Driving: Guidance specific to driving on highways or motorways.
• Night Driving: Safety measures and considerations for driving at night.
• Driving in Poor Weather: Tips for safely navigating challenging weather conditions.
• Personal Safety: Recommendations for ensuring personal safety while driving alone.

Dealing with Emergencies

Accident, Breakdown, and Emergency Procedures: Guidelines on how to handle emergencies, breakdowns, or accidents while on the road.

These areas cover different aspects of safe driving, offering guidance and best practices to ensure the safety of both drivers and others on the road.

Stay Tuned for More on Driver Safety

As we conclude our exploration of driver safety policies, it's evident that ensuring safety on the road extends far beyond simply following rules and regulations. Imagine yourself behind the wheel, navigating the busy streets for work – unexpected situations, accidents, or near-misses can arise without warning. Without a well-defined driver safety policy, these scenarios can be confusing and stressful.

Crafting a comprehensive policy isn't just about checking off a list of requirements; it's about cultivating a culture of responsibility and safety within your organization. It's an investment in the well-being of your team, the protection of assets, and the overall well-being of the community.

But our journey doesn't end here!

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the intricacies of driver safety in the weeks ahead. Your safety matters, and we're committed to providing insights that keep you informed and empowered on the road. Until then, drive safe and stay tuned for more driver safety knowledge!"