In 2007, on average, 112 people died in the US in motor vehicle crashes every day. That’s one life lost every 13 minutes. (Source: NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis.) Unfortunately, there’s no easy fix to this problem. But there are techniques you can use to reduce incidents in your own fleets. Here’s a look at some strategies BP Petroleum used to reduce driver error, property claim incidents, equipment damage and incidents by a whopping 63%.

Develop a Review Program

Almost every carrier practices road tests upon hire to determine if their driver is a “good” driver. But what about ongoing, long-term drivers? How can you tell if they’ve maintained their good driving habits? One way is to establish a motor vehicle review (MVR) program using a point system that distinguishes between the good driver and the poor driver. Those below the magic number can drive; those above cannot drive without some intensive training designed to improve their poor driving skills. Based on the results, divide your drivers into three categories: excellent, average and poor, and use customized training strategies for each category to make them even better drivers. (Keep in mind, though, that some poor drivers have such deeply ingrained poor driving habits that they can never be trained. They must be let go.)

When developing your MVR program, be sure to include an appeal process with the burden of proof on the employee to prove their  motor vehicle record is wrong. Decide each case based on its own merit and institute probationary periods based on the circumstances of the individual situation. Be fair and unbiased in order that the final decisions of your appeal board are binding and final.

If possible, use a third party like an independent consultant to administer the MVR program and train them well in your expectations and program so they are competent administers.

Communicate Changes

When implementing a new MVR program (or just making changes to an existing one), be sure to communicate policy changes to:

• Management;
• Supervisors;
• Workplace teams, such as the Health and Safety committee members;
• Union shop stewards and/or representatives; and
• Employees.

Try to reduce the fear of such a program by “grandfathering” in existing drivers who have a time period of  three to four years to achieve a clean MVR record and have it apply initially only to new hires who must meet it as of the implementation date.

Conclusion

Establishing a program that reviews the driving skills of your drivers is just one step towards improving your fleet safety. You also need to review your training program. We’ll look at that next week.

Story Tools:  E-mail this to a friend  Print This Post Top