Challenges and successes of a fleet safety program

Past research indicates that less than a third of fleet vehicles crash every year. RACV has attempted to address this problem within its own fleet by introducing a company wide Fleet Safety Program in December 2004. The overall aim of the program was to raise awareness and adherence to the organisation?s existing fleet safety policies: the Safe Driving policy and Safe Vehicle policy. The program also aimed to reduce fleet crashes and encourage employees to adopt safe driving behaviours.

A baseline survey was conducted that measured employees? attitudes and beliefs on road safety and driving patterns. The results of the survey revealed that 71% of employees were not aware of RACV?s fleet safety policies. This finding demonstrated the need for a fleet safety program.

The program covered all the major issues of fleet safety, such as speed, fatigue, and being fuel smart. A different issue was addressed each month through the provision of educational information, competitions, and activities aimed at increasing awareness of road safety within the organisation.

This paper will outline the results from an employee survey as well as provide details of the Fleet Safety Program that was undertaken, including the successes and challenges associated with delivering this style of program. Implications for other companies developing fleet safety programs will be discussed.