Managing any business is tough, but when your employees are out on the road? Well, it only gets more complicated. The risk associated with managing a fleet is real and significant as mistakes can not only end up in damage to your property but, more seriously, a threat to life.
Most people know that if you’re operating a fleet of vehicles you need to partake in fleet risk management, but that leaves many questions unanswered. In this guide, we’ll take on the most commonly asked questions regarding fleet risk management. Let’s get started:
Q: How often should my drivers be tested?
A: Bad driving habits don’t take long to form, and even habits which have been taught out can creep back into our driving style if we aren’t careful. It’s a consequence of idle habit, and it means that testing your drivers regularly is utterly essential.
In general, it’s recommended that major training is undertaken on an annual basis, however, quarterly mini-assessments are also recommended in order to correct minor issues with driver style.
Q: My staff drive vehicles which aren’t cars, do I still need fleet risk management?
A: It doesn’t matter what type of vehicle your staff are in control of, whether it’s bicycles, motorbikes, buses, trucks or lorries, fleet risk management is a legal and moral obligation. Most fleet risk management firms will offer support for the wide variety of vehicles which are owned and operated by businesses like yours.
Q: Who in the company is responsible for fleet risk management?
A: Unlike certain legal obligations, there isn’t a set position within a business which is responsible for FLR. However, it is recommended that the role is taken upon by those at the very top of the business as this sets an important precedence for road safety within the business.
Ultimately, should your business not enact a fleet risk management program, your business will be held personally responsible for any accidents that occur. Thus, it’s recommended that FLR is taken seriously at the top of the business and, ideally, an individual is given the responsibility of overseeing it throughout the year.
Q: What kind of data can you get from a telematics device?
A: An optional aspect of FLR which some businesses choose to install are telematics devices. These boxes are effectively cousins of flight ‘black box’ technology and monitor everything that goes on in the car.
These devices can provide information on speeding, dramatic acceleration or braking, cornering performance and other, vital, risk management issues.
