Fleet Safety: Defensive Driving and Vehicle Safety Policy
Overview
Fleet safety encompasses defensive driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and policies that protect employees operating company vehicles or driving for work purposes. Whether you drive a delivery van, service truck, or your personal vehicle on company business, safe driving practices prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Why This Is Important
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. Every time you drive for work, you represent the company and accept responsibility for your safety and others on the road. Defensive driving skills and adherence to fleet policies reduce crash risk, protect lives, and minimize liability.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
- Complete pre-trip vehicle inspections checking tires, lights, brakes, mirrors, fluid levels, and emergency equipment
- Eliminate distractions—no cell phone use, texting, eating, or other activities that take attention from driving
- Maintain safe following distances; use the 3-4 second rule in good conditions and increase it in bad weather
- Scan 12-15 seconds ahead constantly, checking mirrors every 5-8 seconds to maintain situational awareness
- Reduce speed in inclement weather—slow down 5-10 mph in rain and by 50% or more on snow or ice
- Avoid sudden maneuvers; brake, steer, and accelerate smoothly to maintain vehicle control
- Never drive when fatigued, impaired, or taking medications that affect alertness or reaction time
- Wear seatbelts at all times—they reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and serious injury by 50%
- Report all crashes, near-misses, and vehicle defects immediately according to company policy
- Plan routes in advance and allow extra time for traffic, weather delays, and unexpected conditions
Discussion Questions
- What items should you check during a pre-trip vehicle inspection?
- How do you adjust your driving in rain, snow, or fog to maintain control?
- What is your company’s policy on cell phone use while driving?
- Why is maintaining proper following distance critical for crash prevention?
- What should you do if you feel too fatigued to drive safely?
Takeaway
Safe driving is a core job responsibility whenever you’re behind the wheel for work. Defensive driving techniques, attention to road conditions, and strict adherence to fleet policies protect your life, your coworkers, and the public—treat every trip as if lives depend on your choices, because they do.