Implementing Driver Safety Programs

We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe, in order to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries related to vehicle collisions. Companies need to positively influence the safety of their drivers on and off the job through safety–focused leadership.
A common myth about speeding is that it gets us from one place to another faster, but in reality, this time can be added back by encountering traffic or a string of red lights. Allowing employees to speed is a false economy as it does not outweigh the increased risks of indirect accident costs. Furthermore, speeding is illegal and businesses run the risk of inviting extremely high fines – which all add up.
The goal is getting to your destination without breaking the law, being involved in a crash and keeping others as well as your employees safe on the roads.
Some of the direct and indirect benefits of introducing a Driver Safety Program include: fuel saving, cost saving and lifesaving. These programs can protect your organisation’s human and financial resources, and ward off potential company and personal liabilities.
By reducing speed you can reduce the amount of fuel consumed as well as C02 emissions, which would be highly beneficial if your business aims to “GO GREEN”.
It also reduces the likelihood of a crash-related costs which are relatively high i.e. medical expense, liability, productivity loss and property damage.
How to Launch a Successful Driver Safety Campaign
1) Set a goal: In this case, the goal would be to reduce the upward trend of speed violations and vehicle accidents.
2) Identify a campaign manager and find a sponsor: Assemble a team of people who will champion the initiative. Be sure to include employees on the campaign committee.
3) Create a plan: Plan activities and communications to promote the campaign.
4) Promote your campaign: Posters with facts and visuals can be very effective. Communicate regularly throughout the campaign to keep interest and enthusiasm going.
5) Evaluate the impact:
Using Telematics Data to Manage Speeders
A telematics-based speeding report can tell fleet managers who has been speeding and how often. For example, the Top 5 Speeding Violations report in MyGeotab displays the top 5 drivers or vehicles with the highest number of speeding events by day, week, or month. Whether the fleet manager has received complaints about speeding drivers or simply wants to improve overall fleet safety, this report can help identify which drivers in the fleet have the most dangerous driving habits.
Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes which also increases fuel expenses; therefore targeting driver speeding is a worthwhile effort. Protecting your employees is a profitable investment of time and resources. It also shows that a company truly cares about the wellbeing of each and every employee and user of the road.
Author: Sugandran Kannigan, Project Manager  – GEOTAB AFRICA