5 reasons to encourage your employees to drive safely
If your employees drive as part of their job they are likely to be supervised and obliged to report any accidents or driving-related incidents while working. But what about their driving behaviours when they’re off the job?
Driving can be one of the most dangerous activities employees engage in, so putting a policy in place to regularly monitor their driving records can protect both your business and your drivers.
Encouraging safe driving behaviors can:
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Check the driving records of any prospective company drivers
A driver’s past record can indicate their future driving behaviour. As part of the hiring process, check the motor vehicle records for all prospective company drivers. It’s also a good idea to run an annual driving record check as an employee with a clean driving record, might have an off-duty accident after they’re hired.
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Alert management to the need for further training.
Your company driving policy should require drivers to report infractions, including outside of work, and provide additional training for any drivers who run into problems on the road.
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Improve your company’s reputation for safety.
Prioritising the safety of your employees and the community by employing drivers with a safe driving record will reflect positively on your business.
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Control costs.
The costs of an off-the-job crash can go well beyond a one-time health benefit payout. The after-effects of an auto accident can lead to a decline in the employee’s health, well-being, and productivity, as well increased insurance costs.
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Avoid litigation.
Motor vehicle record checks are an important step in protecting against negligent automobile claims. Establishing clear expectations of your employees by developing a clear, strong driving policy can also reduce your legal costs.
Creating a company driving policy
Your company driving policy should set clear expectations and define the number of violations an employee can have before losing the privilage of driving for work. The Safe Work Australia site is a helpful resource.
Once your policy is in place, make sure you have employees sign an acknowledgment stating that they’ve received the policy and consented to the release of their motor vehicle records, whilst complying with privacy laws associated with the use of those records.
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