The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has partnered with SafetyFirst, a provider of fleet safety services and training, to offer its members an effective program for improving fleet safety and reducing insurance premiums and repair costs. The program centers around stickers placed prominently on fleet vehicles. These stickers encourage motorists to call a toll-free number to report any driving behavior they might witness, either with complaints or commendations.
NUCA members can subscribe to the service at a reduced rate of $13 per vehicle per year. Trailers can be added to the program for only $4 per year per trailer. This fee gets the subscriber a total fleet safety program, complete with monthly training materials.
The system works like this: A highly visible decal is affixed to the rear of each commercial vehicle (van, pickup truck, delivery van, tractor trailer, etc.) with a unique identification number. Motorists who witness exceptional behaviors (either complementary or risk-taking) call a toll-free number to report their observations. SafetyFirst’s call center staff screens for accuracy and validity by confirming vehicle ID and details about the incident. The reports (along with pertinent safety bulletins) are sent to the fleet manager for investigation and follow up with the affected driver. The report is discussed with the affected driver. SafetyFirst provides the fleet manager with safety tips that relate to the specific actions taken by the driver and how they can be corrected in the future. Additional intervention may be scheduled by the fleet manager (for example, refresher training). The fleet manager is provided with trend reports monthly.
In addition, a monthly a training package is delivered via e-mail to subscribers for use with their drivers. This program emphasizes proper driving techniques to avoid specific accident situations. It is intended to supplement other fleet safety training programs.
Those interested in learning more about the program should contact Bruce Seymore at NUCA 703-358-9300.
Source: NUCA
