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 do not take long to form, and even habits which have been taught out can creep back into our driving style if we are not careful. It's a consequence of idle habit, and it means that testing your drivers regularly is essentially essential.
In general, it's recommended that major training is undertaken on an annual basis, however, quarterly mini-evaluations are also recommended in order to correct minor issues with driver style.
Q: My staff drive vehicles which are not cars, do I still need fleet risk management?
A: It does not 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 is not a set position within a business which is liable 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 precedent for road safety within the business.
Ultimately, your business should not enforce a fleet risk management program, your business will be held personally liable for any accidents that occurs. Thus, it's recommended that FLR is taken seriously at the top of the business and, ideally, an individual is given the responsibility of exceeding it through 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, corner performance and other, vital, risk management issues.
