Fleet Management: Preventing Distracted Driving
During the past year, it’s likely that some fleets have been fully or partially out of commission due to decreased workload or other pandemic-related issues. As restrictions continue to lift across the country and more drivers venture back on the road this summer, there’s a renewed focus on fleet management and safe driving habits in the workplace.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving (like texting, eating or trying to find your favorite podcast) claimed 3,142 lives in 2019. In our association’s efforts to help cut down on work-related driving accidents, SMACNA National created the Fleet Management and Vehicle Safety Program, available for free download to all members.
“We have a number of model programs available on a variety of safety and health topics, and this one helps create a safe driving culture,” said Mike McCullion, SMACNA director of market sectors and safety. “Often, local and state laws can be different as far as driving safety and related regulations. The SMACNA model programs are written in Microsoft Word and are editable to meet each company’s needs as far as their project proposals, safety programs and local requirements.”
There’s no doubt distracted driving is dangerous for the worker behind the wheel, but it can also present liability issues for the employer. Federated Insurance, a SMACNA Premier Partner, submitted the information charted on the next page as a guide to help curb distraction among company drivers.
Crashes from distracted driving — and worse, fatalities — are preventable, but we must all do our part. Dedicate time to bolster driving safety at your company and empower your drivers to practice a culture of safety every time they hit the road.
Creating A Driving Policy
Develop a strong company policy to help set expectations and standards for safe driving practices. This policy could:
- Prohibit company drivers from using mobile devices behind the wheel
- Where appropriate, incorporate driver standards and screening for company drivers
- Outline expectations for safe vehicle usage
- Clarify consequences for failure to follow the company policy
- Go beyond the minimum local, state and federal laws applicable to your business
Screen Company Drivers
Driving safety starts with who you entrust behind the wheel of your company vehicles.
Performing background screenings and running a motor vehicle report where permitted by law can help you identify potentially unsafe driving behaviors before you hand over the keys.
Leverage Technology
Bay Area SMACNA members can utilize telematics for their fulltime employees and for union employees driving company vehicles if certain conditions are met per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Local 104.
Key provisions of the MOU state that contractors must notify Local 104 of the use of GPS or other systems at least 30 days in advance, that no audio recordings will be used, and that cameras must be outer facing only. For a copy of the 2018 MOU or more information, please contact Kathy de Jong at the SMACNA office.
For Additional Resources
For additional fleet and driver safety resources, like the Federated Insurance Drive S.A.F.E. program, contact Senior National Account Executive Nathan Orland at 507-455-8935.