Let’s face it – how confident are you that your commercial drivers are truly prioritising safety on the roads? Can you be certain that daily walk-around checks are performed accurately? How do you know your drivers are actually getting out of their cabs to inspect their windscreens and tyres before ticking every box and going on their way? For many commercial fleets, the truth is that you don’t.
It is well-documented that driving for work is one of the most dangerous things you can ask your employees to do. A staggering 33% of road deaths and 20% of serious injuries involve someone driving for work. So what are you doing about it?
The reality of road safety in commercial fleets
Managing a fleet of commercial vehicles is no easy task. The logistical challenges are immense, and ensuring the safety of each driver is paramount. However, safety protocols can often become mere checkboxes in a long list of daily duties. When the pressure is on to meet delivery schedules and performance targets, it’s easy for thorough inspections to fall by the wayside.
But this isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements or avoiding fines. The human cost is significant. When a driver skips a safety check, it could lead to severe consequences – an accident that could have been prevented, injuries, or even fatalities. These incidents not only affect the driver and their family but can also have a profound impact on your business, from increased insurance premiums to the potential loss of contracts.
The importance of thorough walk-around checks
Daily walk-around checks are a crucial part of ensuring vehicle safety. These inspections are designed to catch potential issues before they become serious problems. A cracked windscreen might seem like a minor issue, but it can obstruct the driver’s view and become a major hazard. Worn tyres can lead to blowouts, especially at high speeds, putting the driver and others on the road at risk.
Ensuring that these checks are carried out properly is vital. This means making sure that your drivers are not just ticking boxes but are actually getting out of their cabs and performing the inspections thoroughly. However, manual checks can be inconsistent. Fatigue, complacency, or simple oversight can lead to missed steps, and without a robust system in place, these errors can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Choosing CheckedSafe for safer roads
This is where CheckedSafe comes in. CheckedSafe is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed to ensure that your fleet’s safety checks are carried out accurately and efficiently. With our system, you can digitise your inspection processes, making it easier for drivers to complete checks and for you to monitor compliance.
We provide a user-friendly app that guides drivers through each step of the inspection process, making sure that no item is overlooked. We do this by dating, timestamping and geolocating every time they press a button, so you can see if they have raced through the checks in two minutes or carried it out properly. The software also uses an accelerometer to make sure they’re walking around the vehicle to do the checks, not just sitting in their cab.
Meanwhile, from your offices, you’ll be able to monitor user activity, view comprehensive maintenance reports in real-time, identify outstanding tasks and vehicle defects, and schedule services with our intuitive system. We also offer secure data storage and a clear end-to-end audit trail, so that you can protect your business in the event of investigations.
Don’t just tick boxes, commit to comprehensive safety
Don’t wait for a serious incident to highlight the gaps in your safety protocols. Act proactively to mitigate risks and ensure that every journey your drivers make is a safe one. With CheckedSafe, you gain peace of mind knowing that your fleet is compliant, your drivers are protected, and your business is safeguarded against avoidable accidents and their associated costs. Prioritise safety, protect your drivers, and ensure the longevity of your business with CheckedSafe.
Take the first step towards a safer fleet today by visiting our website at: www.checkedsafe.com or ring us on: 01282 908429.