Commercial Auto Loss Control

Effective risk management begins at the top.  The ownership and management  establishes the expectations and holds people accountable to meet those expectations.  A commercial auto loss control and safety program is no different, and begins with a safety policy.

  This policy should clearly state the companies commitment to safe driving, be signed by everyone in management, and a copy provided to each employee upon hire.  In addition, this policy should be reviewed periodically with those driving in connection with their employment.

Additional topics that should be addressed in the policy include the company's views on the use of seat belts, the use of alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs, fatigue, use of cell phones, defensive driving, weather, permitted use of vehicles, maintenance and inspections,  schedules, accident reporting, properly securing loads, route planning, security, and emergency equipment. 

Maintaining files on each driver is important from the point of hire, to annual updates.  Files should include copies of driving records, drivers licenses, physicals (if required), safety trainings attended, any accident investigations and a signed copy of the safety policy.

40,000 Americans perish in auto accidents every year, and hundreds of thousands more are injured.  Preventable accidents and claims cost business owners millions of dollars a year, lost time, and loss of resources.  Not every accident is preventable, but many are with proper training, defensive driving, safe operations, qualified drivers, and a company concerned and committed to managing their auto risk exposures.