Vehicle checks can’t be done from a remote location!!

In order to comply with UK legislation, employers need fleet drivers to adopt and apply their vehicle safety policies when driving on business.

In practice this means sticking to some straightforward rules whether driving a company vehicle or indeed a private vehicle being driven for business purposes.

These rules will include (amongst other things) routine safety checks, which the employer reasonably expects the driver to carry out.  After all, in the eyes of the police, such checks will be the responsibility of the driver, as opposed to the fleet operator.

So now we have a potential dilemma because although drivers are responsible (and may receive points and a fine), the impact of poor vehicle checking may impact the fleet in terms of increased risk of claims, downtime and cost.

So how could a fleet make sure these simple checks actually happen?   Well, here at RVM Assist we have decided to help by creating a checklist using the name of our business as a mnemonic device!  

·         Remember

·         Vehicle

·         Maintenance:

·         ACCIDENT Damage (dints, scratches, etc.)

·         SERVICING (fluid levels, scheduled checks)

·         SCREEN CHECKS (damage, wiper performance)

·         INDICATORS & OTHER LIGHTS (working, clean)

·         SEATBELTS (webbing, buckles, retractor, adjustors, markings)

·         TYRES (wear, damage, pressure, spare)

We appreciate that although these checks need to take place, many drivers cannot find time to complete them according to the detail and accuracy laid down in the safety manual.

So how do we create more time for fleet safety?

Well, at RVM we believe one of the problems is that Fleet managers are too busy dealing with matters that could be offloaded to outsourced providers, which results in them not having time to do those things that can only be done at a local level.

In other words, we can’t do certain functions from a remote location so part of our job is to take on work from fleets that can be done away from the coalface leaving local staff to focus on those tasks that can only be done locally.

This may seem to be a glimpse of the blindingly obvious but having the confidence to outsource or delegate requires the confidence to admit that you need help and not many people who are under pressure remember to use a white surrender flag when it’s appropriate because they think it’s a sign of weakness.  We don’t think that way at RVM Assist – you see……it’s in our name!