When managing a fleet of trucks, a fleet manager’s key concerns will be the welfare of the vehicles, the safety of the freight, but also the welfare of the drivers. Driving for a living can leave people vulnerable to unique stresses and it’s important to tackle these to increase road safety for all users. Here are some the ways in which the welfare of truck drivers is taken into consideration:
Driving Time Restrictions
We all know that fatigue can cause accidents, and the pressures faced by freight drivers is one of the biggest problems faced by the haulage industry. When drivers are under the pressure of deadlines or even paid on commission, the temptation is to work long hours. Laws have been made to combat this issue and the regulations stipulate that:
- For every 4.5 hours on the road, a 45-minute break must taken
- A driver must only drive for 9 hours per day, with 10 hours permitted on only 2 days a week
- There must be a minimum of 11 hours break between shifts
- A maximum of 56 hours of driving per week or 90 over a fortnight
It is the responsibility of the fleet managers to ensure that these rules are adhered to. The dangers of fatigue are well-documented and has been the cause of many accidents.
Vehicle tracking software can be used to monitor the movements of trucks, seeing where it is and when it is parked up.
Vehicle Safety Cameras
Occasionally haulage drivers can be the victim of attempted fraud. Some drivers have targeted them and caused a collision on purpose, whether due to spite or a Crash for Cash scam. Fleet managers must keep their drivers safe from physical harm as well as fraudulent insurance claims. Fitting a fleet with cameras is an effective way to combat fraud, capturing the whole situation and providing evidence of potential fraud.
Safety cameras also provide features to alert the driver when pedestrians, vehicles or cyclists are in their blind spot. Sensors can help the driver to manoeuvre in difficult or tight locations. These cameras are essential for assisting the driver to remain safe and not be the cause of an accident or a target for fraudulent activity. For cameras to suit every safety need, visit http://www.backwatch.co.uk/
Maximum Speed Limitations
This increases safety for other road users as well as the drivers themselves. Setting a limit on the speed at which a truck can travel helps to discourage other drivers from taking risks around the HGV and pulling into gaps that might be dangerous to other road users. Safety features like Stopsafe can also be applied much quicker if a driver becomes incapacitated at the wheel, preventing crashes that could lead to serious injury or death.