Achieving fleet safety certification is an important goal for any risk manager, fleet manager, or operations manager. It requires ongoing effort and vigilance to maintain a safe driving program that meets the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Part two in this two-part series will explore what it means to become fleet safety certified, from understanding the various prerequisites to complying with industry regulations and protocols. We’ll also delve into the steps needed to ensure your company passes its certification exam with flying colors!
Read on for a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about achieving successful fleet safety certification.
Fleet Safety Training
Essential Training Programs for Drivers and Staff
These programs should cover topics necessary for ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Here are some key training topics to include in your safety program:
- Distracted Driving
- Defensive Driving
- Hazardous Materials Handling
- Vehicle Operation and Handling
- Customer Service and Professionalism
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance
Every fleet must implement ongoing safety refresher training for all drivers. This proactive approach safeguards your company’s most valuable asset—the drivers—and promotes the well-being of everyone within the organization.
Ensuring Fleet Safety Compliance
To ensure compliance with fleet safety standards, there are two essential steps you need to take:
Regular Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance
How do you minimize the risk of accidents or breakdowns? By conducting regular inspections and maintenance.
Inspections should be conducted daily before each trip, at regular intervals such as monthly or quarterly, or when your vehicle has accumulated a specific mileage threshold.
Your checklist should include the following key points:
| Item | What to Check |
| Fluid Levels | Engine oil Brake fluid Transmission fluid Differential fluid Power steering oil Coolants Antifreeze solution Wiper fluid |
| Engine, Transmission, and Exhaust | Engine spark plugs Engine cooling system Power steering The gearbox and differential Driveshaft Muffler |
| Wheels and Tires | Tire treads Tire pressure Wheel hub Worn bearings Rim balance |
| Chassis and Body | Body panels, fenders, bumpers, and grilles Doors, windows, and tailgates Windshield wipers Underrun protection Suspension system Wheel axles and undercarriage Cargo hauling equipment |
| Braking System | Brake discs Brake drums Brake pads and shoes Pedal linkage Braking performance |
| Electrical Systems | Battery Alternator Lights Wipers AC system Horn and backup alarm Vehicle tracking sensors Speed limiter |
Documenting and Reporting Safety Incidents
Accidents can happen, even when you try your best to prevent them. You can do things like checking your vehicle before driving to help lower the risk. If an accident happens, the driver must report it.
The driver should fill out a form with names of drivers and passengers, license numbers, and insurance policy numbers right away, even if no one is hurt.
The driver should also take a photo for evidence. Keep both the form and picture for insurance claims or CSA evaluations.
Leveraging Technology for Fleet Safety
Fleet managers and operators have access to various tools and solutions that can significantly enhance safety measures.
Role of Telematics and Fleet Management Systems
Telematics and fleet management systems are both used to streamline fleet operations. It’s important to clarify what they do to understand better how they can contribute to your fleet.
Fleet management software serves as a comprehensive database of information about your vehicles. It stores data about the purchase or lease date, repair or maintenance history, compliance documents, operating expenses, and more. The software helps simplify operations by giving you a holistic view of your fleet.
Telematics transmit and receive data from vehicles. Using GPS technology, telematics enables real-time tracking of vehicles and precise location monitoring. It also collects data on vehicle parameters, including speed, braking, and fuel consumption.
Telematics is also instrumental in analyzing driver behavior and issuing alerts for unsafe driving practices.
How Does Netradyne’s Driver•i AI-Powered Camera System Enhance Fleet Safety?
Netradyne’s Driver•i AI Fleet Camera System is designed to help companies enhance their fleet safety protocols. Using advanced vision technology and AI, Driver•i provides clear visibility into what’s happening on the road, including the ability to read and record neighboring vehicles’ license plates.
Using automated voice alerts, the system coaches drivers to help improve their unsafe behaviors, such as speeding and distracted driving. The four-camera system includes a driver-facing camera that captures risky driving behaviors and highlights positive behaviors.
This unique feature enables managers to properly acknowledge and recognize individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance and go above and beyond their duties.
Employees can feel more valued and motivated to continue producing their best work by providing a platform for acknowledging these achievements.
Furthermore, this recognition can also serve as a way to encourage healthy competition among colleagues as they strive to outdo one another positively and constructively.
Final Thoughts
With the right planning and dedication, achieving and maintaining this certification can be fulfilling and rewarding. By following the steps outlined in this two-part series, you’ll have a thorough understanding of the process as well as what it means to become certified.
Ready to enhance your fleet safety and compliance? Book a demo of the Driver•i AI Fleet Camera System.
