Whether it’s delivering goods and services or transporting employees, the use of company vehicles is undeniably essential. However, along with the benefits of fleet operation come certain risks that businesses must confront. According to the most recent statistics from the National Security Council, 117,300 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury in 2021 (a 12% increase from the previous year), and since 2016 the number of trucks involved in injury crashes has increased 15%.
There’s no way around it: Commercial fleet vehicles are exposed to significant risk. To help safeguard your personnel, assets, and bottom line, consider taking a strategic approach to fleet risk management.
What Is Fleet Risk Management?
Fleet risk management is a multifaceted approach that encompasses a wide array of proactive measures aimed at identifying, assessing, and controlling potential hazards within a company’s vehicle fleet. By adopting this systematic framework, businesses can better protect their drivers, reduce downtime, cut operational costs, and safeguard their reputations in an increasingly competitive market.
From prioritizing compliance with regulatory laws and standards to having the right programs and processes in place to ensure that the correct measures are taken when accidents occur, managing fleet risk is essential to building a safe and profitable business.
Why Is Fleet Risk Management Important?
Any organization that fields commercial vehicles has a responsibility to help protect its drivers and any others who share the road. Fleet risk management empowers your company with the tools and strategies you need to minimize the dangers your vehicles represent. As such, fleet risk management allows businesses to:
- Enhance driver safety
Fleet risk management prioritizes driver safety through comprehensive training programs and policies, reducing the likelihood of experiencing accidents, injuries, and the legal repercussions associated with traffic safety violations. - Decrease operational Costs
Effective risk management practices, including preventive maintenance and optimized fuel efficiency, lead to cost savings for businesses. Additionally, by improving commercial vehicle safety you also create a safer environment for your valuable vehicle assets and cargo. - Achieve regulatory compliance
Fleet risk management ensures that your business stays compliant with industry regulations, avoiding penalties, legal issues, and operational disruptions. - Improve productivity and efficiency
Utilizing technology like telematics and GPS tracking, risk management optimizes route planning, driver behavior, and dispatching, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction in the process. - Reduce liability
Effective fleet risk management helps you mitigate potential liabilities, minimizing the financial and legal risks associated with accidents and non-compliance. - Safeguard reputation
By actively managing risks, your organization has the opportunity to demonstrate to your customers that you value their safety. This helps safeguard your company’s reputation, which in turn attracts loyal clients and partners.
What Dangers Should Fleet Risk Management Address?
No one can predict the future, and that means that it just isn’t possible to effectively plan for every risk situation. That said, some risks are more likely than others; by actively managing the following risks, businesses can protect their personnel, assets, and financial stability while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Accidental Liabilities
Accidents involving fleet vehicles can lead to significant liabilities for businesses. Whether it’s a collision with another vehicle, property damage, or injuries to third parties, the financial repercussions can be substantial. Fleet risk management strategies aim to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents through strategies involving driver training, implementing safety policies, and utilizing technologies that monitor and address risky driving behaviors before they can lead to accidents.
Regulatory Fines
Laws exist to protect people and property and often take the form of steep fines for those who fail to comply. Additionally, non-compliance with licensing, permitting, safety, and environmental standards can lead to regulatory intervention, audits, and legal consequences. Fleet risk management focuses on ensuring that businesses stay ahead of the evolving regulatory landscape, maintaining proper documentation and implementing processes to meet all necessary requirements.
Asset Damage
Damage to fleet vehicles not only disrupts operations; it also leads to repair costs that impact your company’s bottom line. Fleet risk management emphasizes preventive maintenance practices, routine inspections, and proactive identification of potential issues. By implementing robust maintenance programs and addressing vehicle issues more quickly, you can reduce repair expenses and extend the lifespan of your fleet.
Litigation
Accidents involving fleet vehicles can expose your business to potential lawsuits, which can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging to your brand reputation. Effective fleet risk management seeks to minimize litigation risks through comprehensive driver training, regular vehicle maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols. By mitigating the causes of accidents and demonstrating your commitment to safety, you can reduce your organization’s exposure to legal disputes.
Injury or Death of Employees
The safety and well-being of employees should be the top priority for any organization. Fleet-related incidents can result in injuries or fatalities among your workforce, leading to immense emotional and financial tolls. Fleet risk management focuses on promoting a safety culture, providing comprehensive driver training and support. By focusing on employee safety, you can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and protect your most valuable assets — your people.
What are the Steps to Creating a Fleet Risk Management Plan?
While the benefits of fleet risk management are fairly intuitive, the strategy involved in getting there may be less obvious. By following a structured approach, your organization should have what it needs to proactively address potential dangers and minimize risks. Here are the nine most-important steps to creating a fleet risk management solution:
- Purchase the right vehicles
Selecting vehicles equipped with the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and other safety features is crucial. These technologies can help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of collisions — enhancing driver safety and reducing potential liabilities in the process. - Hire and train correctly
Thoroughly screening driver candidates is an investment that pays off in improved safety. Conduct comprehensive background checks, including Motor Vehicle Records (MVR). Verify Department of Transportation (DOT) qualifications to ensure potential hires meet the necessary criteria. And once you’ve found the best people, help them become even better by implementing rigorous driver training programs to promote safe driving practices and regulatory compliance. - Perform regular inspections
Drivers should conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and file Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIR) to identify and address any vehicle issues promptly. Regular inspections help maintain the roadworthiness of the fleet, reducing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures. - Employ real-time tracking
Implement GPS tracking systems to monitor the location of fleet vehicles in real time. This gives you up-to-the-minute visibility into the fleet’s whereabouts, enabling effective route planning, prompt emergency assistance, and improved theft prevention. - Monitor driver performance
Monitor driver behavior and performance, including compliance with traffic laws and internal safety policies. Keep track of any driving violations and provide incentives for drivers to maintain safe driving records. This encourages responsible driving habits, further reducing the likelihood of accidents. - Keep up with vehicle maintenance
Establish a routine maintenance schedule for vehicles. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of breakdowns, enhances vehicle reliability, and extends the lifespan of the fleet. - Prioritize compliance
Ensure both managers and drivers are familiar with the applicable regulations governing fleet operations, particularly for long-haul operations. Stay up to date with changes in regulations, maintain proper documentation, and implement processes to comply with all legal requirements. - Purchase adequate insurance
Obtain appropriate insurance coverage tailored to the specific needs of the fleet. Adequate insurance provides financial protection against accidents, damages, and breakdowns, mitigating potential liabilities. - Improve continuously
Establish key performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of the fleet risk management plan. Regularly evaluate performance against these metrics, identify areas for improvement, and adjust strategies accordingly. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement your business will be better able to adapt to evolving risks and changing circumstances.
Playing it Safe with Fleet Risk Management
You depend on your vehicles, but your drivers, customers, and others depend on you to field a safe and risk-conscious fleet. The right approach to fleet risk management prioritizes safety and helps ensure that before rubber ever meets the road, your fleet has everything it needs to get everyone — and every asset — home safely.
Click here to learn more about how to manage fleet risk in your business. And, if you’re ready to work with a trusted rental fleet provider, contact Summit Fleet today!
