Estimates show that the cost of a HGV accident averages between £2,500 to £261,000. Where there is a fatality this cost rises to £2.3m (DfT 2019). These figures show how important it is for transport companies to reduce accident rates and loss costs. 

One of the best places to start is management. Management has the ability to implement best practices and truck driving safety tips that can significantly reduce accident rates among fleets. 

These changes can slash loss costs, free up revenue, and pose a significant ROI for transportation companies. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, fewer expenses, and less disruption.

To realise these benefits today, keep reading. We are about to share with you five lorry driving safety tips that management can implement to reduce accident rates within fleets. 

1. Invest in Telematics and Electronic Logging Devices

One of the most impactful lorry driving safety tips is investing in technologies that are guaranteed to increase driver safety. 

Implementing road safety technologies is one of the key ways to reduce loss costs.

Two of these technologies are telematics and electronic logging devices. 

Telematics blends telecommunications and vehicular technologies. Telematics technology for lorries generally combines GPS functions along with on-board diagnostics. These read the movements of the vehicle. 

Telematics allows management to monitor lorries within their fleets. It also enables managers to keep tabs on driving habits.

This is thanks to the fact that telematics technology can register driving patterns. These include speeding, swerving, and excessive lane changing. 

This provides valuable data that goes far beyond what can be gotten from a driver's record. Management can use this data to provide feedback to drivers. This data can also be used to implement coaching. 

Another technology that can reduce accident rates is electronic logging devices. Electronic logging devices are now mandatory in the United Kingdom. 

Many other areas of the world have yet to pass regulations around the use of electronic logging devices. To increase safety, companies in these areas should consider investing in logging devices, even though they aren't mandatory. 

2. Leverage Dashboard Cameras

In addition to telematics and electronic logging devices, managers should also look into the use of dashboard cameras. This is another technology that can increase driver safety levels. 

Dashboard cameras monitor the inside and outside of cabins. They also provide alerts to fleet managers of unsafe driving behaviors. 

In addition, the camera technology can be used to communicate with drivers. This means that managers have the opportunity to dole out tips to drivers in real-time. This provides a useful feedback and alert system.

What's more, dash cameras are also indispensable witnesses in accident claims. They can provide valuable harsh accident footage that can be used during claims processes. Having these video records can significantly reduce claim costs. 

Dashboard cameras can also reduce collision costs.

Sources state the majority of fleet companies spend roughly 30% of fleet budgets on preventable collisions. Leveraging lorry safety technologies can bring this number down to a relatively low cost. Thanks to this, these technologies promise a high potential ROI. 

3. Consider Making the Switch to Automatic Braking

Another technology transportation companies can implement is automatic breaking.

Automatic braking technologies cause lorries to automatically slow down or stop. This action is triggered within a certain range of another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object. 

The advantages of these systems are clear. Many countries are phasing in laws to make automatic braking systems mandatory in new vehicles. In some areas, all new trucks will soon be equipped with automatic braking systems.

To increase safety, transportation companies should look into early adoption. 

To do so, management must ensure all newly purchased vehicles are fitted with automatic breaks. Existing vehicles can also be retrofitted with automatic braking systems. This will increase safety without the need for premature fleet replacements. 

4. Set up On-Going Training

One of the top safe driving tips for fleet drivers managers can implement is on-going training. Long hours on the road and routine habits can cause truck operators to place less emphasis on safety practices. What's more, new policies are continually rolling out. 

To maintain the safety and focus of drivers, transportation companies need to invest in regular training. 

To keep drivers' attention, management must ensure safety training is engaging. One of the ways to do this is through interactive activities. Games, quizzes, and discussions are all effective methods for increasing engagement. 

It's important to note that training should not just consist of routine pamphlets and videos. Only good, involved training will help. 

5. Scheduling Regular Maintenance Check-ups

By increasing maintenance check-ups, transport companies can reduce the risk of accidents. To achieve this, managing teams can institute regular maintenance check-ups at depots. They should also encourage fleet drivers to conduct their own checks along the road, especially if they feel anything is out of the ordinary.

Implement These Driving Safety Tips to Prevent Crashes and Curb Accident Costs

Although driver safety is implemented on the road, it starts in the office. 

If you spearhead these safety practices, you will be protecting your company's bottom line by reducing claims and loss costs. 

Speaking of claims, do you need assistance with yours? 

If so, we are here to help. Gallagher Bassett has provided risk and claims management services to transportation clients for more than 50 years.