Each time an employee heads out on the road, you, as an employer, are taking a risk. If your employee drivers recklessly, there’s a chance that you may be held liable for damages and injuries in case of an accident. Road safety is of the utmost importance.
Here’s how to keep employees safe on the road.
1. Establish Written Policies and Procedures
To ensure that all employees are on the same page, it’s important to establish written policies and procedures related to road safety. These policies and procedures should emphasize your company’s commitment to safety and reducing traffic-related injury and death.
Be sure to go over all of these policies and procedures with employees to ensure that they understand what’s expected of them.
While you will likely have unique policies and procedures for your company, some of the most common safety tips include:
- Wear a seatbelt at all times
- Use a hands-free device if you must use your phone
- Avoid taking medications that may impair driving and cause drowsiness
- Avoid distractions
- Take regular breaks
- Be a safe, courteous driver
2. Ensure that All Vehicles are Properly Equipped and Maintained
It’s impossible to drive safely when employees are operating poorly maintained vehicles. It’s essential to ensure that all vehicles are properly maintained to avoid unnecessary accidents or repairs.
If you’re running a service-based business, such as mobile mechanic or plumbing company, you’ll need to ensure that your vehicles are properly equipped with all of the tools needed to get the job done. Tools and equipment should be properly stored to avoid safety risks.
3. Implement Proper Training
Every job is different. A driver’s behavior and habits in a previous position may not be suitable for a different position.
Proper training will ensure that employees understand what you expect of them while driving and that all employees are on the same page when it comes to vehicle operation.
One way to train drivers is to create and implement a certification program. A certification program will ensure that you know your employees are well-qualified for the position. You may also consider requiring continual training to ensure that your employees’ skills are sharp and that they continue to adhere to your standards.
4. Make Sure Employees Have Breaks
A tired employee is a danger to themselves and other drivers on the road. OSHA estimates that drowsy and fatigued drivers may be involved in more than 100,000 crashes each year, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths and more than 40,000 injuries.
Employers play a major role in driver safety. It is of the utmost importance to schedule in regular breaks where drivers have the opportunity to rest, stretch their legs, eat and rehydrate.
5. Create Incentives and Monitor Performance
Consider implementing an incentive program that will appeal to your employees to give them reason to remain a safe driver.
Additionally, you should consider establishing policies to monitor your employees’ performance. It may be a challenge to monitor performances when employees are alone, but you can keep tabs on complaints against the driver, passenger reports and police citations.
