Company Vehicle/Driver Safety Program Checklist

A driver safety program is desirable for any size fleet. Whether you have one truck, five company service vans or a yard of tractor trailers, your company should have a written driver safety program. It will help reduce costs and the possibility of accidents as well as assure compliance with regulations.

Use this checklist of considerations as an outline to help develop your company program.

Policy Statements: Must be applied to all drivers at all levels.

General policy statement is in writing and addresses the following:

• Executive and driver management’s commitment to and involvement in the program. (Form a safety or policy committee with representatives from various departments and from all levels; write the policy first and then get executive management’s support.)
• Discuss driver and supervisor responsibilities.
• Purchasing and maintaining safe company vehicles.
• Initial and ongoing driver/employee training.
• Mandatory Seat Belt Policy is in writing.
• Substance Abuse Policy is in writing.
• Personal/Family Use policy is in writing.
• Cellular Phone Use policy is in writing.

Driver Selection, Qualifications and Loss of Driving Privilege

• Review driving record and accident history for acceptability, for example:
• No more than three convictions for moving violations during the three years immediately prior to the date of application.
• No major violations in the previous three years.
• No convictions for any alcohol related or drug related driving offense during the past five years.
• No involvement in more than two preventable accidents involving personal injury or property damage during the last three years.
• References and previous employers are contacted, and experience and skills are assessed.
• Valid license verification is completed.
• Periodic (annual) review of motor vehicle record (MVR) is completed. MVR information should be kept confidential. Establish specific progressive penalties for each violation, for example:
  • After two chargeable accidents, driver loses vehicle/company driving privilege.
  • After one DUI, driver loses vehicle/company driving privilege.
• Drug/Alcohol Testing Program

Accident Reporting and Investigation

• Written policy and procedures are in place. Includes "media relations" procedure and accident kits in the vehicles.
• Preventability is determined and corrective actions are discussed with the driver and implemented.

Vehicle Specification

• Purchasing policy ensures safety is included in the evaluation of vehicles. Consider vehicle color for safety/visibility and comfort options for the driver.
• Safety-related equipment is specified; i.e. 4-wheel drive, power door locks and windows, anti-lock brake system, air bags, rear defroster and intermittent wipers.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

• Daily pre- and post trip inspections performed and documented by the driver.
• Procedures in place for reporting and repairing defects.
• Preventative maintenance schedule is implemented. Vehicle maintenance and inspection records are maintained by your company.

Employee/Driver Training Program

• Initial/New Hire: Requirements may include completion of defensive driving course, certifications to operate equipment and company procedures/policies.
• Ongoing: Identify frequency and topics, and include review of the Driver Safety Program.
• Safety Meeting Attendance

Recognition/Award Program

• Program establishes specific criteria.
• Guidelines are in place for consistent evaluation of performance.

Disciplinary Program

• Written policy is issued to drivers.
• Program includes specific guidelines, graduated structure and remedial training. Should include criteria for loss of driving privilege (refer to section II).

This checklist may be photocopied and used as part of your driver safety program.