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The cost of operating motor vehicle fleets is escalating rapidly — whether a company manages automobile fleets or large tractor-trailer units. Safety data reveal that in many fleets accident frequency and severity are increasing.
As a result, companies are faced with high insurance premiums and other direct and indirect costs — including the costs of physical damage, property damage, workers’ compensation, and medical expenses.
Identifying the root cause of accidents can be difficult with so many variables at play. Often, new hires are involved in a greater number of accidents. Veteran drivers may become less attentive to detail, resulting in more severe accidents.
What Will You Say When They Ask What Happened?
Executives concerned with fleet safety should ask themselves the following questions:
- How can I eliminate or reduce accidents?
- What factors contribute to the frequency and severity of accidents?
- Does my company have an effective fleet safety program?
- Are my onboarding and ongoing safety training programs effective?
- Is there a manual that outlines company policies and procedures for drivers and operational personnel?
- Does the company check and monitor a driver’s performance, including accidents and Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs), at the time of hiring and then periodically thereafter?
Who's Looking Out for You?
Whether you are managing the auto fleet for a field sales force, maintenance vans for installation or repair work, or tractor-trailers hauling goods from coast-to-coast, Marsh’s Fleet Safety practice has the experience and resources to help you identify, assess, and address your risks.
The Gap Fleet Safety Analysis is the first step in the process. The analysis examines 20 measurable loss control components. Information on your operation is gathered through onsite observations, materials review, and a series of extensive interviews with key stakeholders.
A statistical evaluation measures your existing program against best practices. The final analysis is delivered with specific recommendation as to which element, i.e., safety, hiring, or re-evaluation programs, will have the greatest effect on your business and help mitigate loss costs.
With a thorough understanding of your current programs as well as a road map for future improvements, Marsh consultants can help you lower accident rates and improve safety with the following programs:
Training — Educate new employees on safety protocols and defensive driving techniques, continually update the skill sets of veteran employees.
Management Involvement — Develop processes to actively involve senior management in the effort to reduce loss costs, demonstrate management’s commitment to employees.
Injury Avoidance — Evaluate existing work processes and environment, improve work methods and workflow as part of a pre-loss safety program.
Accident Prevention — Develop quality defensive driving programs based on best practices.
Cargo Security — Improve cargo securing methods to help reduce the likelihood of injury to drivers and cargo handlers.
Driver Involvement — Implement programs that involve drivers in safety committees, accident reviews, and lead-driver preparation.
Driver Recruitment — Review current hiring procedures and policies and deliver specific recommendations, i.e., incorporate MVR reviews into the hiring process.
Driver Retention — Identify job dissatisfaction and other morale issues, develop appropriate employee retention programs.
Marsh also coordinates drivers’ workshops. Classroom training is combined with behind-the-wheel exercises, which include controlled braking, off-road recovery, evasive maneuvers, handling dry and slippery curves, skid control, jackknife recovery (truck-specific workshops), etc.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us.
If you are seeking information about insurance and related services, please visit marsh.com.
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