Running any business is tough, but when are your employees away? Well, it only gets more complicated. The risk associated with managing a fleet is real and significant, as mistakes can not only end in damage to your property, but more seriously, in a threat to life.

Most people know that if you’re operating a fleet of vehicles, you need to be involved in fleet risk management, but that leaves a lot of questions unanswered. In this guide, we will address the most frequently asked questions about fleet risk management. Let us begin:

Q: How often should my drivers be tested?

HAS: Bad driving habits do not take long to form, and even habits that have been taught can become part of our driving style again if we are not careful. It is a consequence of the idle habit and means that testing drivers regularly is absolutely essential.

In general, it is recommended that major training be conducted annually, however quarterly mini-assessments are also recommended to correct minor issues with driver style.

Q: My staff drive vehicles other than cars, do I still need fleet risk management?

HAS: No matter what type of vehicle your staff controls, be it bicycles, motorcycles, buses, trucks or lorries, fleet risk management is a legal and moral obligation. Most fleet risk management companies will offer assistance for the wide variety of vehicles owned and operated by companies like yours.

Q: Who in the company is responsible for fleet risk management?

HAS: Unlike certain legal obligations, there is no set position within a company that is responsible for FLR. However, it is recommended that the role be taken by those at the top of the business, as this sets an important precedent for road safety within the business.

Ultimately, if your company does not enact a fleet risk management program, your company will be personally liable for any accidents that occur. Therefore, it is recommended that FLR be taken seriously at the top of the business and ideally one person be assigned the responsibility of overseeing it throughout the year.

Q: What kind of data can you get from a telematics device?

HAS: An optional aspect of FLR that some companies choose to install is telematics devices. These boxes are effectively cousins ​​of flight ‘black box’ technology and monitor everything that happens in the car.

These devices can provide information on speeding, harsh acceleration or braking, cornering performance, and other vital risk management issues.