How to Create and Implement Safe Driver Policy

Whether your company manages a large fleet of delivery vehicles or simply loans out a few company cars for sales calls, creating and implementing an effective safe driving program will protect financial and human resources; reduce liability; and, above all, ensure the continued health and safety of employees and their families.

Safe driving policies, along with driver safety training, are proven to produce results. The National of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) recommends a ten-step program for the successful creation and implementation of a safe driving policy. I’ll outline the basic principles of this policy below.

COMPONENTS OF A SAFE DRIVING POLICY

These basic safe driving practices should be clearly communicated to all employees in your company’s driving policy. In this policy, consider covering the following points:

1.      Employees must maintain adequate licensing and, if driving their own vehicles, insurance.
2.      Employees must adhere to all state and federal laws.
3.      Employees must promptly report accidents, tickets, and violations.
4.      Employees must practice safe driving habits.
5.      Employees must never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
6.      Employees must always wear seatbelts.
7.      Employees must adhere to clearly stated policies regarding the transportation of passengers.

ENSURING POLICY EFFECTIVENESS

It takes commitment and dedication to make sure that the policy is widely understood and adopted, so that the company and employees see real results.

Those in leadership positions should set a positive example, both in their own driving and in the expectations they communicate to their employees. Also make sure that all levels of the company staff are involved in the policy planning process, so that everyone will be more likely to accept and understand the policy.

Together, create a written policy that is clear, comprehensive, and effective. This policy needs to be distributed to all employees and posted in the workplace. Have employees sign a safe driving agreement to ensure that management and staff are on the same page about what is expected and required.

Conduct annual checks of employees’ motor vehicle records. Make sure to have clearly communicated limits for the number of acceptable violations. Also have a clear process for reporting and investigating crashes and similar incidents, so that employees know what the proper procedure is in such a situation.

Create a reward or incentive program to encourage employees who drive safely and maintain safe driving habits. Positive reinforcements are often more effective than negative ones!

Finally, continue to provide safe driver training to employees. A defensive driving course is a great way to remind your employees of the importance of safe driving while equipping them with the skills they’ll need to navigate any kind of driving emergency.