Your Responsibility to Reduce Speeding
Helping to reduce the number of deaths and injuries related to vehicle collisions is a responsibility that falls on employers. Stopping speeding in your fleet requires action. Positively influencing employee safety on and off the job requires safety-focused leadership.
It has been proven that speeding does not save time despite common belief. For example, if you are driving through the city, any time you save is added right back any time you catch red lights or hit traffic.
If you are allowing your employees to speed, the tiny bit of time they could potentially save is not worth the increased risks and collision costs. Speeding is also illegal and fines your employees and company may receive extremely expensive fines.
To keep everyone safe, the main goal should always be, getting to your destination without breaking the law or being involved in a crash. It is highly recommended that companies launch safe driving campaigns for employees. Speeding is not worth the increased risk of crash and the related potential bodily injury and legal cost so companies need to take a stand.
The Disadvantages of Speeding
Consequences are greater the higher the speed of a vehicle. For example, when vehicles collide at 30 mph or more over a speed limit of 60 mph, the risk of death or serious injury is 11 times higher than when vehicles collide at or below the legal limit.
Before you put drivers behind the wheel you need to ensure they understand the expenses/consequences associated with speeding and aggressive driving, including:
Fines
License suspension
Collisions, which may result in vehicle damage, or injury or death
Higher rates of fuel usage
How to Stop Speeding in Your Fleet
A company wide campaign can help companies reduce speeding as well as aggressive driving. Incorporating telematics into your fleet safety program can produce great results for your fleet. Telematics can provide a detailed look at performance that can be used to coach drivers more efficiently. New England Mobile's telematics solutions allow you to keep track of speeding activities, set rules, and then track progress towards your goals.
What are the benefits of launching a speed reduction campaign
There are many benefits to implementing a speed reduction campaign in your fleet, including:
Lower penalties and fines
Reduced equipment losses
Less wear and tear on engines, brakes, and tires
Reduced loss in fuel
Lower stress levels for both the drivers and their companies
Reducing speed can also add up to significant cost savings for employers. This money can be redirected to other areas of the business or straight to the bottom line.
How to launch a successful speed reduction campaign
Set a goal. In this case, the goal would be to reduce, or eliminate driver speeding violations
Identify a campaign manager and internal sponsor
Create your campaign. Include a communication and compliance strategy
Promote your campaign
Evaluate
Assemble a team of people (including employees) to help coordinate the initiative. Share safety best practices, plan activities and communications to promote the campaign. Posters with facts and visuals can be very effective. Communicate regularly throughout the campaign to keep interest and enthusiasm going.
Conclusion
Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to crashes and traffic related deaths. In addition, speeding increases fuel expense. Therefore, targeting driver speeding is a truly worthwhile effort for employers.
Implementing a “No Need to Speed!” initiative can potentially save a company thousands of dollars. Protecting employees from motor vehicle crash injury is a profitable investment of time and resources. Importantly, it helps companies show that they truly care about the well-being of each employee.
New England Mobile can provide you the tools to manage driver speeding, plus much more. To learn more, contact us today!
