Quickly hiring unfit drivers due to driver shortages can lead to long-term financial consequences for your company and pose a risk to drivers and the public. It's important to prioritize hiring safe and qualified drivers even in times of urgency.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that approximately 3,800 fatalities occur every year due to truck crashes. While not all truck accidents are the fault of the commercial driver, as the general public can also contribute to them, it is crucial to hire the best drivers to minimize risks and ensure safety on the road.

Strategies to Consider

The annual cost of all commercial motor vehicle crashes is estimated to be over $80 billion by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). While undelivered cargo can result in financial losses, employing risky drivers can also incur significant costs. Here are some ways to reduce this risk:

• Develop a rigorous hiring process—Implement a proactive strategy to screen prospective drivers during the recruitment phase. Establish safety protocols that cover recruitment procedures, job responsibilities, training, accident inquiries, personal use of company vehicles and drug/alcohol testing of drivers. Prevent risky drivers from causing accidents and financial loss by identifying them beforehand. Before hiring a driver, evaluate their previous driving record, motor vehicle offenses, types of vehicles driven, work history references and familiarity with driving routes.

• Create and promote employee safety and wellness programs—Creating a culture of safety and wellness within your company is important to ensure that all drivers are in good health and well-rested before they start driving, regardless of whether they have a documented sleep disorder or other health condition. Promoting employee wellness and safety should always take priority over rushing to meet deadlines by encouraging risky driving behaviors. It is essential to be mindful of drivers who may still feel fatigued even if they have followed the DOT regulation on Hours-of-Service.

• Establish a driver safety and training program—Create and implement a driver safety program that includes regular safety training for all drivers. Provide incentives for drivers who consistently adhere to safety procedures, while taking corrective action against those who do not. Ensure that all drivers are knowledgeable about DOT regulations, including the ban on texting while driving for commercial drivers.

Contact the insurance professionals at Tanenbaum Harber Insurance Group for more help assessing your company’s fleet risks.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.