It is essential to ensure that your employees drive safely on the clock to prevent incidents from arising. Incentivizing safe behavior among employees can be a challenge even when they’re under direct supervision. It’s even more difficult if they are out of sight and out of reach, as they may be if they’re driving a company car on the clock. If these employees are insured under a commercial auto policy, though, it’s imperative that they avoid unsafe driving behaviors.
How to Ensure That Employees Drive Safely on the Clock
The quality of the employee driving records affects your commercial auto insurance premiums. In the worst case, an accident may cause injuries the employee, or others, resulting in an expensive claim which can tarnish your track record for 3-5 years. Consider these strategies for minimizing risk and encouraging safe behaviors behind the wheel.
Check Employees’ Driving Record
One of the most effective tools for preventing unsafe driving is vetting the employees you allow to use the company car. Using the car should be a privilege, and if an employee has an extensive history of traffic tickets and accidents, they probably shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy that privilege. Most states require employers to obtain a release form from the employee and then submit it to the Department of Motor Vehicles. There may be a small processing fee required in order to obtain the records.
Invest in Technology
Although you can’t always be in the car with your employees, technology can. Innovations such as telematics make it easier than ever to keep a watchful eye on drivers and track important maneuvers. Telematics devices can be used to track a vehicle using GPS, for example, and record information about actions such as braking, accelerating, and turn signal usage. This is vital information for any business that entrusts cars to employees, and it can help you gain objective insight into whether or not your employees are driving safely.
Conduct Surprise Surveillance
Technology is advantageous to businesses that want to track employee driving habits, but sometimes good old-fashioned surveillance is useful, too. If you suspect that an employee may not be meeting safety standards while they are on the clock, you can trail them on the road and observe their behavior. If you are worried that you may be seen, enlist help from somebody else who can follow behind your driver and make note of their behavior. First-hand observations are the most reliable source of information.
Reward Good Behavior
With the data you’ve gathered from surveillance or telematics, you can identify any issues affecting your employees’ driving behaviors. Doing so can help you avoid having any claims filed against your insurance for company vehicles. In addition to addressing problems, you should use your information to reward employees who consistently display an awareness of safety when they are driving. Rewarding good behavior is one of the most effective ways to ensure that it continues, and it also makes safe employees role models for everybody else.
About Rodrian Insurance
Rodrian Insurance specializes in giving you insurance solutions that perfectly match your business and personal life. We provide insurance options that offer excellent coverage while remaining within your budget, based on a thorough understanding and assessment of your needs, circumstances, and financial capability. Find out more about how Rodrian Insurance can fulfill your insurance needs. Call or text us at (262) 781-4750 or email us at info@rodrian.com.
