For companies that rely on their employees to transport products or services to other vendors in New Jersey, the risks of managing a fleet of vehicles and drivers can be quite serious. Reducing the number of accidents that their employees are involved in and being able to confidently rely on those same employees to uphold the company’s reputation are paramount to the overall success of their organization.
Some of the ways that companies can achieve this objective are by providing adequate training for their employees and instructing them on the dangers of poor driving habits including distraction and reckless behavior. According to the Travelers Companies Inc., general health and wellness is one area that should be revisited frequently in helping employees to identify potential dangers. For example, they should be aware of how medication consumption may affect their ability to focus while driving. Encouraging exercise can be a valuable way for employers to also discuss how obesity-related illnesses can potentially create dangerous medical episodes.
Travelers Companies Inc. also provides employers with ideas of how to provide a structurally sound safety program for their fleet vehicles and team members. Important areas that should be addressed include the following:
- Clearly outlined procedures and protocols for what behavior is expected and what consequences will result for non-compliance.
- How screening procedures for new drivers will be managed.
- Accurate, thorough and updated policies and calendars for maintenance and repairs on all fleet vehicles.
When an accident does happen, employers should be forthright in investigating what happened and uncovering the root of the issue. They should utilize their findings to improve the conditions of their fleet to prevent similar accidents from happening.
