Four Fleet Safety Resolutions for 2020

As another year comes to an end, fleet managers are looking toward the future and what the next decade will bring. Over the last 10 years, new technology has revolutionized the way fleet managers operate and manage their vehicles. If you haven’t yet adopted the latest fleet technology, consider one of these four fleet safety resolutions to improve operations within your business in 2020.  

1. Invest in Training

The most effective way to improve safety in your fleet is to have a strong safety culture, and that starts with training. Driving is a dangerous business. The CDC estimates over 32,000 people are killed in motor vehicle fatalities every year. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that 40% of motor vehicle accidents are work-related. Keep your drivers safe on the road by investing in a diverse training program that utilizes new technologies such as 3D simulations as well as classroom and in-field training. Additionally, make sure your drivers are prepared to drive in all seasons and are aware of the perils associated with summer driving, winter driving, and everything in-between. Discover four more training tips in this blog. 

2. Update your Fleet 

If the last time your business invested in new vehicles was the turn of the last decade, it may be time to update or upgrade your fleet. Upgrading your vehicles can help you save money and the environment. It can also make your vehicles less susceptible to theft and improve driver safety if you choose vehicles with Advanced Driver Safety Systems (ADAS). If you’re in the market for new vehicles but don’t know where to start, do your research and consider these four questions to make the process as smooth as possible. If purchasing new isn’t in your budget, you can upgrade your existing fleet through conversion, retrofitting, or repowering. Whichever route your fleet chooses, making an investment now can help your business save money and improve safety in 2020 and beyond. 

3. Track with Telematics

Perhaps the biggest development in fleet technology has been the advent and advancement of telematics. Telematics helps keep drivers and vehicles safe. It also empowers fleet managers. With telematics, managers can analyze data and make critical adjustments in real-time. Key benefits include the ability to: 

• Monitor driver behavior such as speeding, idling, or excessive accelerating.  
• Track fuel consumption and optimize spending. 
• Track vehicles in real-time for location, performance, and operating conditions. 
• Receive automated reports that reveal trends and anomalies, allowing you to quickly identify solutions. 

4. Switch to a Fleet Card

Protect your business from fraud by choosing a fleet card. Unlike cash or traditional bank cards, a fleet card is totally secure. With a WEX fuel card, automated reporting allows you to work together with your drivers to prevent the following types of external and internal fraud: 

• Skimming – a third-party tampers with a pump’s card reader to obtain credit card and pin information. 
• Slippage – a driver uses a company card to purchase non-fuel related items such as coffee or snacks. 
• Siphoning – an employee or non-employee uses a hose of siphoning device to transfer fuel from a company vehicle to a non-company vehicle or container.  
• Misuse – an employee uses a company fuel card to purchase fuel for a non-company asset. 

 With a WEX fleet card, an individual employee ID number is entered for every transaction. Plus, you can set up guardrails around spending based on product type, time of day, dollar amount, and more. With these safety features, you’ll know who is spending what, where, and when. 

Make Safety a Priority in 2020 

Running a small business fleet is filled with many challenges. Start the new year off right by committing to safety and security in 2020.