Last week, we discussed the key components of a fleet safety program and covered the first element: driver selection criteria. This week, we'll discuss driver training, orientation and company expectations. (Editor's Note: the Vehicle Inspection Checklist referred to in this article can be found in the Tools section of SafetyXChange.)

Defensive Driving & Other Education

Each driver in your fleet should take a safe driving course within six months of being hired or immediately on the implementation of the fleet safety program. The course can be:

• One of the numerous driving courses available, including the National Safety Council Defensive Driving course;
• A program you develop in-house; or
• A program offered by or through your fleet insurance carrier. Often insurance companies outsource the driver training to other companies that will provide the training in a classroom setting or online.

After the initial training, drivers should receive periodic brief refreshers which may include:

• Short discussions;
• Memos;
• Payroll stuffers; and/or
• Newsletter articles.

Drivers who have previously completed a defensive driving course or similar class may be exempt from the initial training, but still should participate in the refreshers. Be sure to document the training and all refreshers.

Vehicle Orientation

Employees must be familiar with the vehicle(s) they will be operating. The orientation to the vehicle should include any of its unique characteristics and features, such as:

• Anti-lock brakes;
• Remote control mirrors;
• Seatbelt and head restraint adjustments; and
• Anti-theft devices.

Vehicles with diesel engines also have unique characteristics. You should also point out the location of the MSDS binder.

Orientations should be provided to:

• Any employee who's assigned to a different vehicle; and
• All employees whenever new vehicles are added to the fleet.

Company Expectations

Of course, you expect your drivers to handle their vehicles safely. But to be clear, your fleet safety program should outline these expectations. Your drivers should understand that you expect them to:

• Conduct regular vehicle safety inspections per department policy, keep the vehicle in good operating condition, and report any mechanical or equipment problems to their supervisor.
• Practice defensive driving and courtesy to prevent accidents and traffic violations.
• Observe all the rules of the road, including the use of turn signals, yielding the right of way, adhering to speed limits and maintaining safe following distance.
• Use headlights (not parking lights) during times of reduced visibility, such as snow, rain, drizzle, fog and twilight.
• Allow only authorized persons to operate or ride in vehicles.
• Never use the vehicles for personal use (e.g., hauling furniture, driving children to school, shopping, etc.).
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Never leave the vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition and/or the motor running.
• Always lock the vehicle when it's unattended.
• Use seatbelts at all times and ensure that passengers do so as well.
• Report to the supervisor immediately any moving violations, accidents or changes in license status.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If medication is prescribed, the doctor or pharmacist should confirm that it will not affect the ability to drive. The same is true of over-the-counter medications, such as cold remedies containing antihistamine, which can cause drowsiness.
• Avoid using a cell phone while driving. If it is necessary to use the phone, pull safely off the road, make the call and then safely resume driving. Hands-free devices have limited value in reducing the distractions associated with phone use while driving.
• Review and be familiar with the MSDSs provided in the vehicle for all chemicals present including fuel, lubricants, coolant, brake and power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid and battery acid along with any de-icing and cleaning products kept in the vehicle.

Conclusion

Next week, we'll discuss the supervisor's obligations in a fleet safety program, disciplinary action and how to address the use of personal vehicles.

MEMBER REPLY

Drivers' Selection Criteria Too Lax

Your acceptability guidelines for hiring drivers (up to 4 citations in the past three years, or someone with a DUI as long as it's not within the past 12 months) would screen out very few drivers and would not be a prudent practice. I can't recall any business that I have dealt with in the past 10 years that would knowingly hire such a driver. Even in CA, the law considers you a "good driver" only if you have no more than one citation in the past three years.

John Parker, CPCU, ALCM
Loss Control Consultant

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK

Beware of Black Ice

Icy roads are never a good thing. But when the ice is invisible, it's especially dangerous. That's why black ice is such a menace this time of year.

When a road surface looks wet - but sounds dry - be prepared for black ice. If you can't hear the usual splashing sounds from vehicle tires, you may be driving over invisible black ice.

Other signs there may be black ice on the road:

• Ice on the windshield wipers or sideview mirrors
• Ice on road signs or fences along the road

Got a safety tip you'd like to share? Send them to catherinej@bongarde.com. Let us know if we can include your name with the tip.

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