Follow these five tips for dealing with high-risk fleet drivers. 
 -  Photo courtesy of Allstate.

Follow these five tips for dealing with high-risk fleet drivers.

Photo courtesy of Allstate.

The annual accident rate for commercial fleets is around 20% and the average cost of a fleet accident is $70,000 — almost double the cost of the typical workplace injury. Fleet managers should know that a small group of people — specifically, high-risk drivers — cause the bulk of their collisions.

So it stands to reason that changing the negative driving behaviors of high-risk fleet drivers is a smart way to reduce accidents while keeping your drivers safer.

Advanced Driving Training Services, Inc. recommends that fleet owners and managers take the following steps:

Identify High-Risk Drivers

Fleet managers should check motor vehicle records and accidents histories of every driver in the fleet. This allows you to find a group of drivers who have a high number of moving violations and have been involved in numerous crashes.

Classify the Group

Next, classify the high-risk group into sub-groups. Level 1 would include drivers who have one to two infractions; level 2 would include drivers with three to four infractions; level 3 would include all drivers with more than four infractions.

Provide Training

The next step involves training all high-risk drivers in the appropriate manner. ADTS recommends that level 1 drivers receive online training in the specific area in which the driver has had problems. It might be speeding, following distance, or backing accidents, for example.

Level 2 drivers require a full day of driver skill enhancement, according to ADTS. This would ideally include classroom and behind-the-wheel training with a focus on responsibility, scanning techniques, crash prevention and skill building exercises.

Finally, level 3 drivers should receive one-to-one training during a normal business day, so that the driver remains on the road and productive. The goal is to create a positive atmosphere that emphasizes your company’s commitment to, and concern for, safety.

Involve Managers

ADTS stresses the importance of involving managers in solving the problem of high-risk drivers. Managers have direct contact with drivers and play a key role in reducing crash rates. In short, managers need to understand that they set the tone for drivers’ safety.

Keep the Message Alive

Keep safety visible and top-of-mind with your high-risk drivers and with all drivers. It's critically important to reinforce the message by sending email reminders, safety memos, and discussing safety at company meetings.

About the author
Marianne Matthews

Marianne Matthews

Contributor

Marianne Matthews contributes safety news and articles for the Fleet Safety newsletter. She is an experienced trade editor.

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