Manage your fleet even better with these 4 tips

Here are our smart safety tips to help you streamline your service offering - on and off the road.

1. Have safety rules and regulations in place

Better driving significantly reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% , so it really is worth investing in. By having clear safety rules and regulations in place, your drivers will have a better idea of how to play it safe on the road. This will not only keep them and your vehicles safe, but it will also help you avoid unnecessary and costly downtime.

It's a good idea to create a fleet handbook that drivers can always keep with them. A good driver's handbook should include:

• A summary of your business's safety policy and core values
• Steps to follow in the unfortunate event of an accident - include the contact details of your fleet safety manager and the necessary emergency contact numbers for your insurer
• Some good-driving safety tips , like how to avoid tiredness and fatigue, the importance of seatbelts, the dangers of texting while driving, what to do during a vehicle hijacking and the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol.

2. Implement regular vehicle maintenance

A little maintenance goes a long way. Ensuring that your fleet vehicles are serviced regularly and kept in tip-top condition will not only better their performance, but it also plays a significant role in driver safety and prevents costly repairs further down the line.

Something as basic as regularly checking a vehicle's tyre pressure can promote fuel efficiency, reduce tyre wear and tear, and improve driver handling. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA shows that every 1% decrease in tyre pressure lead to a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy .

Vehicle maintenance can be costly, especially when you have a large fleet of vehicles. Taking up insurance that rewards good driving by helping you save costs on things like tyres and batteries is a good idea.

3. Reward good driving while keeping track of your fleet

Behavioural science has shown the immense power behind rewarding positive driving behaviours. Rewarded drivers become better drivers.

There are various ways to reward your employees for safe driving. Having a vehicle tracking system that automatically rewards drivers is a simple way to promote and maintain good driving habits among your drivers. It's also a good way to keep a finger on the pulse when it comes to service delivery and the quickest way to pick up if your business vehicle has been involved in an accident.

4. Empower your employees through education

Education is key in bringing about a positive change in driving behaviour. By empowering your drivers through regular training around safe driving techniques, the rules of the road and what to do in an emergency, they better their driving skills and, as a result, you will improve your overall business.

By having good fleet management in place and safer drivers on the road, you will be able to focus your efforts on expanding your business and growing your bottom line.

Your first step towards better, happier drivers

A good telematic device that tracks driving behaviour could act as a safety measure and give drivers the chance to improve their driving through earning rewards. It could also help you manage your fleet more efficiently.

Learn about the holistic and market-leading business insurance cover from Discovery; contact a broker today or get a quote.