Fleet Safety for Community Action Agencies

Automobile loss ratios (losses incurred divided by premiums) have a direct effect on the cost of your commercial auto insurance. We can assist you in developing a loss control program designed to reduce accidents and lower your insurance premiums. Here are some examples of elements that are commonly included in such a program:

Driver Selection : The personnel files for drivers should include a copy of the driver's motor vehicle record, copy of their current license and if possible a loss history from their personal insurance company. Road test and driver skills evaluation should be incorporated into the vehicle safety program. Managers/ supervisors should complete a driver skills observation at least once every 6 months for each driver. See this article for more information.

Driver Retention : Every effort should be made to hire the best available driver, using Motor Vehicle Reports, employment references, and job history as primary criteria. Then an effort should be made to retain your good drivers through compensation, favorable working conditions, and recognition programs. Statistics show that organizations with higher than average turnover also have more accidents and higher insurance costs.

Vehicle Safety : Vehicles inspections should be completed by a manager or supervisor for each vehicle on a 6 month basis. These inspections are a way of verifying that a vehicle is being properly maintained and promotes the prompt reporting by the driver of any damage or deficiencies. There should be a written policy on securing unattended vehicles.

Management Involvement : Management should be involved in being sure good driver selection techniques are being used. Accident analyses should be performed periodically with a complete analysis done at least annually. The analysis should highlight deficiencies which may then be targeted for improvement.

Accident Investigation : Each vehicle accident should be investigated to determine its cause so that action can be taken to help prevent recurrence. Your company is in a position to enforce driver safety in that the drivers use your vehicles in their job. If due to a lack of driver concern, they continue to have careless accidents, they could lose the right to use your vehicle or possibly their job.