Fleet Safety Program Improvement

A written vehicle fleet safety program can help promote safety throughout your organization and reduce the risk of vehicle accidents. Here are some of the important elements that a fleet safety program should include:

• A fleet safety policy that communicates management's commitment to fleet safety.
• Assignment of responsibilities, and procedures to ensure that responsibilities are performed.
• Controls for all driving operations, including the driving of personal and daily rental vehicles on company business.
• Formal driver selection procedures that are consistently followed.
• Initial and periodic driver safety training.
• Safety rules, such as the mandatory use of seat belts, prohibitions on drinking and driving, using radar detectors, and use of cell phones when driving.
• Accident reporting and investigation procedures.
• Inspection and maintenance procedures that will limit the likelihood of any vehicle being driven that is not in safe mechanical condition.
• Vehicle selection standards that include minimum safety requirements.
• Accident charge backs to departments, or at least awareness by departments of the costs of vehicle accidents.

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Motor Vehicle Records Review

To identify persons with poor driving records in your company, obtain motor vehicle records (MVRs) on all applicants prior to employment and on all employed drivers and leased contractors at least annually. The MVR should provide a history of the driver's driving record during at least the previous three years. Your company should carefully examine these records to identify drivers who have marginal or poor driving records. Drivers who have marginal driving records should be counseled and have their MVRs monitored more frequently. Drivers or leased contractors who have poor driving records should not be permitted to operate a company vehicle, operate a personal vehicle on company business, or drive a leased vehicle on behalf of your company. Motor vehicle records should be retained in the employee's personnel file or the contractor's file.

Drivers with poor driving records include those with one or more of the following violations:

• Conviction for an alcohol and/or drug-related driving offense
• Refusal to submit to a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test
• Conviction for reckless driving
• Any combination of three or more moving violations, "At Fault Accidents" or "Preventable Accidents" within the most recent three years
• Suspension, revocation or administrative restriction within the last three years
• Leaving the scene of an accident as defined by state laws
• At fault in a fatal accident
• Felony committed involving a vehicle
• Three or more "Company Vehicle" physical damage claims in any twelve-month period

By instituting these basic rules, not only will your fleet meet the eligibility requirements of most carriers but your firm will be able to more easily control insurance costs by keeping insurable losses at a minimum.

We would love to answer any questions that you might have. Contact Kovalev Insurance today and request a complimentary consultation to ensure your business is properly protected.