Global Fleet Champions has published a new factsheet to help fleet managers stay on top of some of the additional challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advice for fleet managers: Managing road risk during the COVID-19 pandemic covers some of the key road safety issues that have emerged during the pandemic, such as recruitment, scheduling, staff wellbeing and increased numbers of vulnerable road users on the roads.
These are particular areas of risk for anyone who employs people who drive for work, and recognise that quieter roads may lead to distraction or tempt drivers to speed, and the pressures of lockdown may encourage drivers who drink to drink more and those that consume drugs to take more than usual.
The factsheet gives simple tips on how to manage journeys, ensure vehicle safety, and look after driver wellbeing especially those coming back from lockdown, as well as giving guidance on what to consider when recruiting and training new drivers to meet increased demands for deliveries and other services.
This best practice guidance is based on a webinar sponsored by D.Tec International that was broadcast earlier this year. Introduced by fleet management consultant Andy Price, the webinar also featured presentations on driver mental health, effective leadership and vehicle technology.
Global Fleet Champions factsheets are for anyone who manages people who drive for work, regardless of budget, fleet size or vehicle type, and are designed to give managers short, simple advice on key road safety topics.
Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “COVID-19 has changed the road environment around the world and has created new challenges for fleet managers. It is more important than ever that fleet managers review their policies and procedures to manage work-related road risk.
“We hope fleet managers will find the Global Fleet Champions factsheets informative and will use them to help meet our shared goal of safe and healthy mobility in fleets worldwide.”
Ean Lewin, managing director of D.Tec International, said: “D.Tec is very happy to work with Brake to raise awareness of a very prominent C-19 lockdown issue, that police are now catching two to three times more drug drivers than drink drivers. This shocking phenomenon will also be happening in your workplace but are you aware of it and what should you do about it? As with the Global Fleet Champions factsheets and their suggested solutions, D.Tec, as well as supplying every police force in England, Wales and Scotland; our DrugWipe Dual and breathalyser range is a specific solution for the UK workplace.”