Safety Education Tip

Typically accidents are a cause for concern, but when an accident does occur, your fleet drivers need to remain calm and apply the safety information he/she has learned.  Your responsibility is to provide vehicle safety education to your fleet drivers in an effort to promote and practice safety on the roads and also train each driver how to handle an accident situation, should one occur.

Below are some common procedural tips to implement if faced with an unfortunate accident on the roadway:

• STOP immediately regardless of the damage amount
• Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers and increase visibility
• Move your vehicle off the road or out of traffic if it is safe
• Call 911 to report the accident
• If possible, assess all damages and inquire about injuries of all drivers/passengers
• Document the accident scene and all damages by securing photos
• Secure names of the other driver(s), insurance information, and year, make, and model of the other auto(s)
• Contact your N.C. independent insurance agent to report the accident

Necessary Items Your Fleet Drivers Need in the Truck

Training your drivers on handling accidents is crucial before your drivers ever hit the highway, but what about the necessary items your drivers need to have on hand in case an accident ensues?  Some of those items include the following:

• Flashlights
• List of business emergency contacts (names, phone numbers)
• Emergency warning devices such as warning triangles
• Fire extinguisher
• Proper paperwork to document the accident(s)Camera (or phone) to document accident scene
• Camera (or phone) to document accident scene

Confront Your Risks to Minimize Accidents

Regardless of how safe your fleet drivers operate, accidents can still happen in the blink of an eye. Having an action plan in place BEFORE accidents happen is essential for your trucking business.  After an accident has occurred, it is recommended to assess and analyze all the necessary accident information in an effort to prevent similar situations arising in the future.  Keeping accidents to a minimum and providing the necessary risk management training to all your fleet drivers is imperative to the success of your business and reputation.

Contact Paramount Insurance Agency at 336-869-3335 with any questions or concerns regarding fleet vehicle safety for your trucking business.

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A standard auto or homeowners insurance policy is particularly common, yet finding the right insurance for small motor carriers may take time to find the exact coverage options you need to meet your trucking needs.

Insurance Solutions to Protect Your Trucking Business 

Because Paramount Insurance is a N.C. independent insurance agency, we work for YOU and not the insurance company in an effort to shop your coverage options to fit your specific small motor trucking needs at an affordable cost to you.  Successful trucking businesses trust us for all their trucking insurance needs and here’s why:

• We can work WITH you to assess the typical risk factors that may negatively impact your business in an effort to design an insurance policy that is as unique as your business.
• We recognize the many challenges you may face as a small motor carrier and are willing to assist you every step of the way to discover resources that offer the type of insurance protection you specifically need with your budget in mind. We can do the legwork for you to shop the best coverage options so you can focus on your livelihood.
• We are committed to the ever-changing government regulations associated with the trucking industry and will keep you abreast on procedural requirements and any trending insurance needs pertaining to your business.
• Your long-term protection and business success is our priority which is why we can help you manage your SMS scores, design a risk management strategy specific to your needs, and avoid costly hassles with the government.

If you are in the trucking business for small motor carriers, we are here to assist you with any questions you may have regarding the protection you deserve.

For all of your N.C. trucking business insurance needs, call us TODAY at 866-869-3335. 

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Owning a business using fleet drivers means taking the time and effort to hire commercial drivers who follow procedural rules and regulations while driving safely.  Whether you have drivers that only occasionally drive or ones that spend hours on the road daily, the measure to which you hire should remain the same.  The objective for you as a successful trucking business owner is to minimize accidents, optimize business success, and protect your reputation.

Safe Drivers Are Beneficial to Your Business

 Your drivers represent YOU and your business so it makes sense to exercise stringent hiring practices.  Below are 2 major reasons why hiring safe drivers is essential:

Minimizes Accidents- If you have reckless and/or distracted drivers on the highway operating your fleet vehicles, chances are you will be faced with an increase in accidents and will ultimately pay a much higher insurance premium.  Not only that, but clients or potential customers may avoid doing business with a trucking company that has multiple accidents or a history of poor hiring practices.

Promotes/Protects Your Business Reputation- Each time a driver takes one of your trucks on the road, it reflects on you and your business.  If other people see one of your trucks advertising your business logo, they will take notice of the driver.  If your driver is traveling at a safe speed and following the rules of the road, and looks professional, it will have a positive impact on other people’s perceptions of you and your business.  However, if your driver is driving erratically and is distracted, you can bet anybody who witnesses it will make a mental note NOT to use your business.

Basic Guidelines to Consider When Hiring Drivers for Your Business

Establish consistent criteria for ALL drivers- There must be standard guideless in place that all drivers or potential hires must agree to practice.

Research motor vehicle records (MVR) for any traffic violations- A past history of multiple accidents, traffic violations, tickets, etc. predicts the likelihood of that person’s future accident/risk potential.

Verify past work history- Taking a look at the candidate’s past employers in regards to any poor work ethic may provide the insight you need.

Perform complete background checks- Background checks will enlighten you to any past criminal history or any other red flags.

Conduct road and written driving test

Verify any driving certification(s)

Paramount Insurance Agency is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the hiring of safe drivers for your fleet vehicles.  Our main objective is to promote your business success by minimizing risks and offering sound business solutions to do so.

Contact us today at 866-869-3335 for all of your N.C. trucking insurance needs.    

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