Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/802476
Driver Safety A Focus at the Convention and Trade Show (Continued from Page 1) The data shows that overall, the top five driving behaviors that lead to crashes include: • Following too close • Not looking far ahead • Distractions • Traffic violations • Failing to keep an out Whatever approach you choose, the dat a suggests that collisions can be reduced substantially with programs like video telematics coupled with training, coaching, and incentive programs. After Trevor Schmidt's presentation, a panel of portable sanitation operators shared their most successfu l approaches to reducing driving incidents at their companies. Selection and onboarding are key. Mitchell Weiner, Russell Reid/Mr John of Keasby, New Jersey, uses video telematics similar to those described by Trevor. But he says these tools are not going to do you much good if you don't have a culture of safety. His company has been working on this safety culture for years, and they have implemented an ongoing driver recruitment program to ensure the company always has enough competent, motivated drivers for their routes. Mitchell also points out that it is helpful to pay competitively or perhaps a bit more than other driving positions out there. He asserts y ou cannot get the best people if you are not offering the best opportunities for them. Safe driver s, safe trucks, and good processes for both are necessary. Karen Holm, On Site Companies in St Paul, Minnesota, echoed some of Mitchell's sentiments. She explained her company's processes for credentialing their drivers according to DOT standards, conducti ng internal road tests to see how each driver performs, and recognizing their drivers through a variety of methods. On Site also uses a specific set of processes and checklists for maintaining the truck fleet an d ensuring its safety. Sammy Guillen, Andy G ump Companies in Santa Clarita, California, is a fleet manager. He described his fleet management procedures, including some highly automated activities that make it easier to keep dozens of trucks and drivers safe on the road. Even if you are a small firm , though, he pointed out that something as simple as adding wheel checks on the lug nuts can help you avoid disaster. These relatively affordable items provide highly visible cues to a lug nut being loose – allowing you to notice the problem and fix it bef ore a wheel comes off as you are driving down the road at top speed with a full load. W EEKLY EDITION MAR 22, 2017 P AGE 11 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12