Driver Policy
A driver safety program is desirable for any size fleet. Whether you have one truck, five
company service vans or a yard of tractor trailers, your company should have a written
driver safety program. It will help reduce costs and the possibility of accidents as well as
assure compliance with regulations.
Use this checklist of considerations as an outline to help develop your company program.
Policy Statements: Must be applied to all drivers at all levels.
General policy statement is in writing and addresses the following:
Executive and driver management’s commitment to and involvement in the
program. (Form a safety or policy committee with representatives from various
departments and from all levels; write the policy first and then get executive
management’s support.)
Discuss driver and supervisor responsibilities.
Purchasing and maintaining safe company vehicles.
Initial and ongoing driver/employee training.
Mandatory Seat Belt Policy is in writing.
Substance Abuse Policy is in writing.
Personal/Family Use policy is in writing.
Cellular Phone Use policy is in writing.
Driver Selection, Qualifications and Loss of Driving Privilege
Review driving record and accident history for acceptability, for example:
No more than three convictions for moving violations during the three years
immediately prior to the date of application.
No major violations in the previous three years.
No convictions for any alcohol related or drug related driving offense during the past
five years.
No involvement in more than two preventable accidents involving personal
injury or property damage during the last three years.
References and previous employers are contacted, and experience and skills are
assessed.
Valid license verification is completed.
Periodic (annual) review of motor vehicle record (MVR) is completed. MVR
information should be kept confidential. Establish specific progressive penalties for
each violation, for example:
o After two chargeable accidents, driver loses vehicle/company driving privilege.
o After one DUI, driver loses vehicle/company driving privilege.
Drug/Alcohol Testing Program
Accident Reporting and Investigation
Written policy and procedures are in place. Includes "media relations" procedure
and accident kits in the vehicles.
Preventability is determined and corrective actions are discussed with
the driver and implemented.
Vehicle Specification
Purchasing policy ensures safety is included in the evaluation of vehicles. Consider
vehicle color
for safety/visibility and comfort options for the driver.
Safety-related equipment is specified; i.e. 4-wheel drive, power door locks and
windows, anti-lock brake system, air bags, rear defroster and intermittent wipers.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
Daily pre- and post trip inspections performed and documented by the driver.
Procedures in place for reporting and repairing defects.
Preventative maintenance schedule is implemented. Vehicle maintenance and
inspection records are maintained by your company.
Employee/Driver Training Program
Initial/New Hire: Requirements may include completion of defensive driving course,
certifications to operate equipment and company procedures/policies.
Ongoing: Identify frequency and topics, and include review of the Driver Safety
Program.
Safety Meeting Attendance
Recognition/Award Program
Program establishes specific criteria.
Guidelines are in place for consistent evaluation of performance.
Disciplinary Program
Written policy is issued to drivers.
Program includes specific guidelines, graduated structure and remedial training.
Should include criteria for loss of driving privilege (refer to section II).
This checklist may be photocopied and used as part of your driver safety program.
