There are various aspects that fleet managers have to consider to achieve maximum operational achievement. One of them is driver behavior. To be more precise the impact of driver behavior is proportional to the operational costs of your business. Good drivers are valuable for your business. But the repercussions of driving irresponsibly can cause you to impact your business severely.
Driver performance is a major factor that decides the success of any fleet. Effective dealing with your drivers’ behavioral issues is a must for the smooth operation of your fleet. Here, in this article, we will discuss the impact and management of poor driving behavior. So, read on!
How can poor driving habits affect your business?
For several reasons, proper management of driver behavior becomes an essential part of fleet management. Bad driving habits affect the company’s brand image in the following ways:
- Rise in vehicle fatalities
- Increased fuel costs
- Unnecessary legal troubles
- Increased operational and maintenance costs
- Vehicle resale value drop
- Customer dissatisfaction
- Demolished business reputation
What can fleet managers do to improve driver performance?
Fleet managers must restore a culture of good driving habits in their drivers. As per a survey report, good drivers reduce costs by more than 12%, whereas bad drivers can increase costs by more than 13%. Irresponsible driving and usage of mobile phones while driving are the most common unsafe driving behaviors found recently. As a fleet manager, you must take certain steps to implement good driving behavior. Here are some of them:
Monitor driver behavior
Analyze the common poor driving behaviors and look for them in your drivers. Take note of their behavior when you are away and they are on their own. Using the phone behind the wheel and accelerating excessively are common poor driving habits to look on for. You can also let your driver know that you are monitoring them. This can beware them from doing the forbidden.
Educate your drivers
Always define a clear driving policy for your company. Communicate these driving expectations to your workforce. Let your drivers understand and implement them. Correcting bad habit takes time but by lending proper knowledge and evoking self-realization, this is certainly possible. When you constantly educate and spread more awareness about poor driving habits, your drivers eventually tend to identify them on their own and rectify it.
Provide real-time feedback and training
This step can lower the overall risks and make your fleet operations even safer. Providing real-time feedback by giving audibly alerts and commands to your drivers is a new and innovative way of monitoring your driver behavior. This is will led them to do their work in a better and responsible way. Carrying out regular driving refresher training can come a long way when it comes to establishing good driving behavior in your company.
Implement telematics
Telematics has proven to be a boon to fleet managers across the globe. This emerging technology allows you to monitor your driver virtually, even when they aren’t aware. Telematics will help you in managing your fleet proactively and addressing the issues faced by your driver right away.
How can one be a good driver?
Take it easy and slow down
Speeding aggressively has been seen as the cause for fatalities in almost 18% of the cases in the US. Therefore, Following all road laws and staying inside the speed limits can reduce the risk of crashing by 31%.
Stay away from distractions
Many people have been killed and injured in crashes involving distracted driving and these numbers are increasing day by day. A good driver should always keep their mind active, focused and eyes on the road.
Wear a seat belt
As per a survey report, Seat belts can reduce crash fatalities by 40 to 60%. So a good driver must abide by this legal requirement and you as a fleet manager must compulsorily enforce seat belt wearing a habit in all your drivers.
Never drink/drug and drive
Even very small amounts of alcohol or drugs can affect one’s driving and cause a fatal crash. So make your drivers pledge to never drive after drinking any alcohol or drugs.
Avoid driver fatigue
As a fleet manager, you must ensure that your drivers get proper rest before driving. Encourage them to get a good night’s sleep before heading off on a long trip. Never allow them to travel more than 8 to 10 hours a day.
Conclusion
There are a number of consequences of poor driving behaviour. It can knock-off your business performance and traumatize your long-built reputation. Let us know if you have any doubts or need any of our services to enhance your fleet operations.
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