Tom's Blog
If you have a business where you utilize fleet drivers, you realize how important driving safety is for your business, the drivers, and anyone else driving on the highways. Accidents involving fleet cars/trucks cost businesses millions of dollars every year so it is important to train your fleet drivers how to handle an accident when and if it happens. Having a plan in place BEFORE an accident happens can help promote safety on the road, increase the driver’s awareness to document information at the accident scene, and in turn, reduce the likelihood of similar accidents down the road.
When an accident happens, it is normal for drivers to become flustered and anxious, but it is important to try to remain as calm as possible so that you can put the vehicle safety information to use. Contacting the necessary people on your contact list to document and review the accident details is vital so that your business can ascertain whether any other reporting action is necessary.
Vehicle Safety Education
If you have fleet drivers, you must provide vehicle safety education to each and every fleet driver in order to promote safety in the workforce and on the road. Knowing what to do when and if an accident occurs is vital to the safety of your fleet drivers and can save your business money in the long haul. Below are just some safety tips to implement and enforce with your fleet drivers:
- STOP immediately when an accident happens, even if it is minor
- Report the accident (911)
- Turn on hazard lights
- Move your vehicle out of traffic IF possible
- Get out of your vehicle to talk with other driver(s) about any injury and/or damage
- Take photos of the accident scene and damages
- Obtain name/insurance information of other driver(s)
- Notify your N.C. independent insurance agent to report the accident
Checklist for Supplies Needed in the Truck
Before any driver heads out for a delivery or appointment, it is recommended his/her truck be adequately supplied with certain items needed should an accident happen. One of the most important items includes the business contact list of those who should be notified right away of accident details so that a report can be filed. A camera should also be readily available to photograph the accident details and scene. Lastly, the vehicle should be outfitted with emergency warning devices such as a fire extinguisher and warning triangles to alert the traffic of an accident, as well as an accident report.
Document the Accident Scene
When an accident happens, everyone involved is upset and may be distracted, but remaining calm and focused is important to properly document what has just happened. Documenting the accident scene, without discussion of who is at fault, is imperative to the investigation and formulating a plan of action to reduce the chance of a similar accident happening in the future. Below are some important tools to thoroughly document the accident scene:
- Make/model/vin# of all vehicles involved
- Name/address/contact information of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Insurance information on the other driver(s)
- Photographs of damages to vehicles (from all angles)
- Photographs of accident scene (street name, lanes, point of impact, weather, lighting, traffic signals, skid marks, debris from accident)
- Information of any injuries and to whom
- Police and ambulance information
Analyze And Adjust
No business likes to imagine accidents that involve one of their fleet vehicles, but accidents can and do happen. However, when they do, it is important to analyze the accident information for future safety. Perhaps your driver has too heavy of a workload and was trying to squeeze too many appointments into his/her day and the rushing resulted in an accident. Analyze it and make the necessary adjustments to reduce the likelihood of future accidents. Paramount insurance Agency is here for all of your insurance needs so if you have any questions about fleet vehicle safety for your business, call us at 866-869-3335.
