AVOID AN ACCIDENT: TOP 5 TIPS FOR FLEET DRIVERS

If you’re a fleet driver, then you spend a lot of time on the road. That means, your chances of getting into a vehicular accident are substantially higher than the regular driver. But it doesn’t have to mean you’re not as prepared as they are. All fleet drivers should adhere to the following five tips if they want to avoid any time-consuming accidents on the road. 

IT COSTS NOTHING TO PAY ATTENTION

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s probably the hardest thing for people to do on the road. Since there are so many things to take our attention away from the road, we can find ourselves rear-ending someone, or find ourselves in a ditch. Especially nowadays, the smartphone allows us to make a lot of dumb decisions while driving. Even without the cellphone, we can put ourselves in positions that cause divided attention. Billboards, other vehicles, other passengers, food, music, and daydreaming can be dangerous distractions. Eliminate them. 

RESPECT THE WEATHER

We understand that time is usually of the utmost importance as a fleet driver. However, insisting on “making good time” despite the weather conditions is very dangerous, and will cost you much more time and money in the long run. If it’s been raining, snowing, or icy, take that into consideration and adjust your driving habits accordingly.  Often these adjustments are to compensate for other drivers who refuse to make any changes. 

STAY AWAKE 

Unfortunately, this is a common cause for accidents. And fleet drivers are especially susceptible because of their need to “push through” and meet deadlines. It’s a good idea not to eat a huge meal before getting on the road, especially late at night. Before you get behind the wheel make sure you are in the best physical condition, and well rested. Anytime you feel tired, or yawning excessively, you should pull over, take a walk, or switch drivers if possible. 

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

This is another no-brainer. People will often have an alcoholic drink during lunch and get behind the wheel with no problem. However, if you are a fleet driver, you should be holding yourself to a higher standard. Not only are you representing a company, but you are expected to be one of the safest drivers on the road. With any amount of alcohol in your system, you are compromising that standard, even if you don’t realize it. 

SLOW DOWN WHEN NECESSARY 

Use common sense when driving; the same common sense you use when driving your personal vehicle. Your personal vehicle may be a Porsche, and you may want to push that thing to the limit. What you do on your own time is your business, but as a fleet driver, you must never make a habit out of speeding. The chances of an accident are already increased because you are a fleet driver, so don’t make them even higher by speeding.