Ensuring your drivers
are safe while working
It’s probably true that in the broadest terms there are certain driver
types. If I were to label them they might range from the timid, to
confident, to over-confident! We all know the types.
Much is the same for driver safety incentives in that they need to vary
according to those driver types. Some drivers may pay more attention to
safety if they’re threatened with disciplinary action. Others may be
motivated by more positive sentiments.
The trick here is to get the balance right. Clearly we should aim
to get all drivers engaged and focused on the need for safe driving without
risking any of the unwanted negative side effects.
Such side-effects can be as follows:
- Drivers can decide not to
report accidents if the scheme is too generous or too onerous
- Apathy towards the scheme if
it is not sufficiently meaningful to drivers
- Too expensive or
time-consuming for the business
Overall, the aim should be to integrate a driver incentive scheme within
a fleet’s corporate risk management strategy. This because the
initiatives (in terms of assessments and training) will be seen as the
company’s investment in the driver and the natural consequence of that is the
driver’s increased responsibility towards safety, the company asset and other
road users.
A key decision is whether to implement an incentive scheme or indeed a
disincentive scheme. Of course it will usually be a fleet-wide initiative so if
you look to reward those who only react positively to threats, the scheme will
fail. Equally, threats made to drivers who would drive more safely with
encouragement will have a negative effect.
Some of the best schemes we have seen involve differing arrangements per
driver or per group of drivers so the business can flex the details according
to driver types. What is certain as far as incentive schemes are
concerned is the need to celebrate them by publicly rewarding those drivers who
have understood what the business needs and have taken successful steps to
drive more safely.
If you would like to know more about creating, implementing or
administering a driver safety incentive scheme then call RVM on 0113224 8800 and speak to
our head of risk, Angela Sorley.
At RVM our integrated approach
allows us to help fleets to implement effective safety policies, analyse trends
and identify high risk drivers. Our Driver Training program is targeted, timely
and appropriate. The result is lower accident rates, improved driver
safety, and reduced costs.
