March 2023 | BUSINESS FLEET AFRICA
WWW.BUSINESSFLEETAFRICA.CO.ZA
In some cases, we even applaud
drivers who break traffic rules to get
the deliveries done on time. This is a
recipe for disaster that could come back
to haunt company fleets that run their
operations on short-cuts.
Even seasoned drivers with years of
no-crash experience need to undergo
refresher training, as complacency and
bad habits set in, giving such drivers a
false sense of security, which could end
in disaster. Human beings are creatures
of habit who always default to the route
of least resistance which results in
carelessness and negligence and heaven
forbid, outright recklessness.
There are no prescripts in law that
govern advanced, defensive driver
training. However, there are many global
best practices that professional opera-
tors employ.
Here are some driver enhancement
best practices and guidelines from
professional operators;
Q Pre-hire screening is non-negotiable
and must be done professionally.
Drivers spend the bulk of their time
driving so they should be thoroughly
assessed in terms of driver attitude,
driving competence, legal compliance
as well as driving economically and
with mechanical sympathy.
Q New recruits should undergo a work-
shop on the contents of the compa-
ny’s transport and safety policy as
part of their induction process. They
must sign a pledge agreeing that they
understand, acknowledge and will
apply the various prescripts, a copy of
which should be filed with the Human
Resources department.
Q All new drivers should undergo a
certified advanced, defensive driving
skills course by an accredited service
provider with a track record for
reducing operational costs for their
clients. The course should cover,
amongst others, critical aspects
under the broader definitions of
driver fitness, vehicle fitness, loads
management, documentation and
importantly, managing hazards and
driving in adverse conditions.
Q The international best practice norm
suggests the following minimum
training cycles:
Q Abnormal loads and conveyance
of dangerous goods: minimum
every 12 months.
Q Passenger transport vehicles
(buses, mini-buses, scholar trans-
port, ride hailing, shuttle bus etc.):
minimum every 12 months.
Q Light delivery vans and cars:
minimum, every 24 months.
Q Delivery motor-cycles, every 12
months.
Q Driver monitoring and evaluation
should be integrated into the driving
environment. In this way, your top
drivers and those habitual offend-
ers at high risk can be identified
through your fleet management
system. Based on this information
appropriate action can then be taken,
such as monthly awards for the best
drivers and coaching for the bad
drivers. These interventions must
be recorded should it lead to formal
disciplinary measures for those who
fail to comply.
Q Ride alongs by supervisors and by
peers are an excellent way of getting
drivers to refresh and share safe
practices with each other, provided
they themselves have been taught
the correct way in the first place.
Drivers are not the only ones who
reap the benefits of continuous safe
driving practices through effective
driver training. The company will see a
definite reduction in offences, incidents
and casualties. Other benefits include
lower fuel costs, reduction in repairs
and maintenance and savings in time
and insurance costs, all of which should
result in a significant reduction in
operational costs.
A good driver is an asset to the com-
pany. Investing in their enhancement
leads to greater confidence, morale and
productivity which leads to a positive
image for your company. Not to mention
protecting the lives of other, innocent
road users, which is something that no
value can be attached to. BFA
Ashref Ismail is a multiple
award-winning road safety
practitioner with more than 35
years’ experience at provincial,
national and international levels.
He holds qualifications in Traffic
and Municipal Policing, Teaching,
Public Relations and Professional
Driving. He currently runs his own
fleet risk management consul-
tancy, specialising in advanced,
hazard management training and
driver wellness.