One of the most complex parts of a business is logistics. Apart from it requires a lot of investment to build an in-house logistics service, it also needs an efficient fleet management system to ensure seamless and accurate movement on the ground.
The greatest challenges third-party logistics services and a company faces on its in-house logistics is fleet safety. Generally, a person’s life is at stake whenever they are behind the wheels. Drivers should also keep in mind the lives and safety of the people they share the road with, from fellow drivers to pedestrians.
Road accidents are a huge responsibility and accountability for a logistic service. That is why many companies invest in adashboard fleet management system that can track the vehicles and, at the same time, monitor the welfare of the driver. Learn how to prevent and reduce road accidents by continuing to read this article.
Fleet and Accidents
Before we dive into how to prevent and reduce fleet accidents, we must first understand the root cause of the problem. What is a fleet accident, and why does it happen?
What is a fleet?
This term was commonly used in the navy, where it refers to a group of naval ships, warships, and submarines controlled by the military, sailing together in a large formation– a naval fleet.
Today, the word fleet also refers to a group of vehicles and air crafts controlled by an individual, a group, or an organisation.
Hospitals have their fleet of ambulances, and schools have a fleet of school buses. Logistics companies have their truck fleet for the delivery of various items and supplies.
What is a fleet accident?
In this article, we will discuss vehicular fleets, not naval nor aircraft. A fleet accident is simply a road accident that involves a car belonging to a fleet; it could be an ambulance, school bus, or a truck. Traffic accidents may include single-car crashes, multiple-car collisions, and rollovers.
There are many ways to prevent fleet accidents, such as investing in a fleet asset tracking system or installing a driver monitoring system.
Why do fleet accidents happen?
There are several reasons why traffic accidents happen not only to the fleet but also to drivers who are journeying home or driving their kids to school.
One of the main reasons why there are road accidents is because of human error. Drink driving, distracted driving, breaking other traffic rules, failing to double-check the road, wrong calculation of distance and so on.
The second obvious reason is vehicle and equipment errors. Unmaintained and older vehicles are prone to accidents. There are newer car models that have been recalled due to manufacturing defects that can cause fatal accidents.
The last reason is the environmental condition. Slippery roads due to rain, snow, and mud; zero visibility due to thick fog or smoke and relentless downpour also influence the driver’s road judgement and the car performance.
Road accidents are highly preventable. Education and application of road safety rules and policy, integration of technology, such as a drowsiness detection system, and stringent implementation of traffic laws help reduce and prevent road accidents.
For companies, organisations, and individuals managing their fleets, here are some solutions you can do and apply to prevent and reduce fleet accidents.
Tips For Preventing and Reducing Fleet Accidents in Singapore
Find Qualified Talents
Companies can prevent fleet accidents from happening by hiring only qualified drivers in the first place. Knowing how to drive and possessing a driver’s licence should not only be the qualifications.
There are companies that even run a driving track record of the drivers apart from ensuring their driving experience. Some even require them to pass a series of driving exams.
During these exams, instructors assess the driving habits of the candidates to determine their performance. Some also conduct traffic laws refreshers and quizzes to test their familiarity with traffic regulations.
A meticulous filter on the driver candidates is the first defence to avoid fleet accidents, while an advanced fleet management system and driver monitoring systemcome next.
Implement Safety Programmes and Policies
Apart from adhering to the local traffic laws, the company itself should implement safety programmes and policies, such as requiring the drivers to wear proper clothes when driving and subjecting the cars to the regular maintenance schedule. The company can also provide monthly refreshers about traffic rules and regulations and award benefits and bonuses to drivers who avoided fleet accidents.
Moreover, the company should also sanction or reprimand drivers who have proven to have broken the law, including beating the red light, speeding, drunk driving, and so on.
Installing a dashboard fleet management and driver monitoring system may help keep an eye on the driver’s behaviour while on the road.
Integrate Advanced Fleet Management System
Advanced technology today has helped roads to become safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Technology such as adrowsiness detection system help monitor the state of the driver while being behind the wheels. It can notify the fleet manager about the situation or deter the driver from driving in the meantime.
On the flip side, thefleet asset tracking systemprovides the exact location and the current status of the vehicle in real-time.
Maintain the Vehicles
Road unworthy vehicles are a disaster on wheels. Many accidents on the road are due to brake malfunctions.
Companies and groups should not hesitate to invest in the maintenance of their fleet. Maintenance and thorough inspection of the cars help detect potential problems that could escalate if neglected.
Afleet management systemalso helps determine the health status of the vehicle by monitoring its mileage.
The maintenance cost of the fleet is always cheaper than the accident costs.
Ensure The Welfare of Drivers
Driving requires focus and attentiveness. A tired and distraught driver is not fit for the road. There is a high chance of accidents caused by human errors if the welfare of drivers is not ensured.
Apart from complying with traffic regulations like anti-drink driving and wearing a seatbelt, fleet managers should ensure that the drivers are not overworked to avoid driving fatigue.
A drowsiness detection system can also help monitor the driver’s condition while on the road.
Takeaway
Life is precious, and it is a waste to take them in a road accident. Ensure the safety of everyone by applying these tips for preventing and reducing fleet accidents in Singapore.
Guardian South East Asia
Guardian South East Asia provides an advanced fleet management system for logistic services. Visit Guardian South East Asia today.
