Fleet safety is a key issue for companies that rely on company vehicles. A well-organized and safe fleet is not only the foundation for smooth business operations, but also plays a significant role in minimizing the risk of accidents and costly damage.
As the person in charge of the vehicle fleet, it is your responsibility to ensure safety within the fleet. This involves a wide range of regulations and obligations: timely and regular maintenance, driver safety training, driver’s license checks, driver instruction, and occupational safety also plays an important role.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to consider when it comes to fleet safety. After all, a safe fleet isn’t just a responsibility toward the health of employees and society—it’s also an important step toward optimizing your operational efficiency and ensuring your company’s success.
Contents
- 1. Safety in the fleet is important for everyone: employees, fleet managers and vehicles
- 2. Owner liability in the vehicle fleet: responsibility, obligations and options
- 3. Early and regular maintenance for safe vehicles
- 4. Driver safety training for safe and anticipatory driving
- 5. UVV driver training for more fleet safety
- 6. Implementation of the driver’s license control is fundamental for the fleet safety
- 7. Further occupational health and safety and fleet safety measures
Safety in the fleet is important for everyone: employees, fleet managers and vehicles
A company car is not only a means of transportation but can also serve as a status symbol and boost employee motivation. For sales and field staff, the vehicle also functions as a mobile office. That is why company cars are subject to safety and health regulations that are just as strict as those for a stationary workplace.
The topic of fleet safety is complex and involves not only fleet management itself but also the drivers and the vehicles. The law requires that every fleet be managed by a qualified individual, regardless of whether that person already works for the company or is hired specifically for this role. Experience as a fleet manager is an advantage here, as the diversity and complexity of this profession are often underestimated. In addition to knowledge of the technical specifications of the vehicle fleet, a fleet manager should also be thoroughly familiar with all relevant safety regulations under the UVV, down to the smallest detail.
Owner liability in the vehicle fleet: responsibility, obligations and options
Vehicle owner liability is one of the most important issues in fleet management. According to Section 7 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG), the vehicle owner is always liable in the event of damage, even if he or she is not driving the vehicle at the time:
If a person is killed, the body or health of a person is injured or property is damaged while operating a motor vehicle, the owner is obliged to compensate the injured party for the resulting damage.
§ Section 7 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG)
The annual driver’s license check and driver instruction in accordance with UVV are mandatory in order to meet the owner’s liability for the vehicle. Compliance with the statutory rest periods is also part of this. Companies can transfer responsibility to drivers by means of vehicle leasing agreements, but must accept partial liability in the event of infringements. For more information on owner liability in the vehicle fleet, we recommend our blog article:
Early and regular maintenance for safe vehicles
One of the most fundamental—and at the same time most important—measures for ensuring fleet safety is the regular maintenance of company vehicles. The UVV inspection of company vehicles is required by law and governed by DGUV Regulation 70. Whether on long highway trips or in-city drives—vehicles are exposed to stress and wear and tear every day. To ensure that vehicles remain in perfect working order and roadworthy at all times, it is essential to perform timely and regular maintenance. Maintenance not only contributes to a longer service life for the vehicles but also has a direct impact on the safety of drivers and all other road users.
To ensure a smooth process, we recommend creating a detailed maintenance plan that includes all vehicles, their individual maintenance intervals and the work to be carried out. This plan should also clearly define responsibilities and accountabilities to ensure that no maintenance appointments are overlooked or postponed. In addition, it can be helpful to work with qualified workshops or contractors.
Neglecting or delaying maintenance can have serious consequences for fleet safety. Defective or worn-out vehicle components that are not detected and repaired in a timely manner can lead to unexpected breakdowns and potentially to accidents. Brakes, tires, lighting systems, and other safety-critical components must always be in perfect working order.
Driver safety training for safe and anticipatory driving
Regardless of employees’ driving skills and experience, it is essential to offer regular driver safety training. This not only raises awareness of safe and anticipatory driving, but also sensitizes and encourages drivers to better recognize potentially dangerous situations and react appropriately. Driver safety training courses are offered by the ADAC, for example.
Practical exercises include, for example, driving simulations in which specific traffic situations are simulated in order to train the driver’s ability to react and assess. This can be ensured by regularly planning training and refresher courses. As the fleet manager, ensure that all new employees receive a thorough briefing on the company’s safety guidelines and that existing drivers are continuously kept up to date and actively use their experience and knowledge from the training courses in their daily driving.
UVV driver training for more fleet safety
The UVV driver training covers a variety of relevant topics and subjects, ranging from basic traffic regulations to specific technologies and safety measures. These include the proper use of safety equipment, appropriate behavior on the road, adherence to speed limits, and the benefits of defensive and anticipatory driving.
As part of driver training, it is also important to raise drivers’ awareness of environmentally conscious driving and fuel efficiency. Drivers can have a significant impact on fuel consumption and therefore on the environmental footprint of the fleet. Driver training as an e-learning course helps to adapt the training flexibly and easily to the work schedule.
Implementation of the driver’s license control is fundamental for the fleet safety
The importance of regular driver’s license checks cannot be overstated, as they ensure that drivers hold a valid driver’s license and thus meet legal requirements. Consistent driver’s license checks are an effective safeguard against legal consequences and accidents resulting from the employment of drivers with expired or revoked licenses.
Software solutions for electronic driver’s license verification not only increase the efficiency of verification processes but also reduce the risk of human error and ensure complete documentation of drivers’ licenses.
Further occupational health and safety and fleet safety measures
By law, occupational safety in the vehicle fleet is the responsibility of company management and is governed by the Accident Prevention Regulations (UVV). All relevant regulations governing the operation of vehicles are specifically set forth in DGUV Regulation 70. In addition to UVV inspections, UVV driver training, and driver’s license checks, there are other measures that contribute to fleet safety.
Ergonomics and safety in vehicle equipment
Occupational health and safety in the vehicle fleet not only covers safety on the roads, but also the health and well-being of drivers during working hours.
In addition, suitable safety devices such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability programs (ESP) and airbags should be in place to ensure protection in the event of an accident. Regular inspection of vehicle equipment and maintenance are effective measures to improve occupational safety and minimize work-related health risks.
Load securing and transportation of hazardous goods
Securing cargo and transporting hazardous materials are additional aspects of workplace safety in the fleet. Improper cargo securing can not only lead to serious accidents but also endanger one’s own health. Therefore, drivers should receive appropriate training on how to load and secure their cargo safely and properly. This includes the correct use of tie-down straps, tension rods, and other securing devices. In addition, drivers entrusted with the transport of hazardous materials must be informed about the specific regulations and safety measures for handling hazardous substances.
Prevention of accidents and first aid measures
Accident prevention is also a key objective of workplace safety in the vehicle fleet. Drivers should be made aware of potential hazards and educated on the importance of anticipatory and defensive driving. Comprehensive driver training helps prevent accidents. Drivers should also be trained in first aid so they can respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an accident. Timely and effective first aid can save lives in an emergency. Emergency equipment such as first-aid kits and warning triangles must be available in every vehicle and regularly checked to ensure they are complete.
