Road safety is not an issue that will resolve itself, every company has a responsibility for action. The private sector has a vital role to play in improving road safety and reducing deaths and injuries caused by road traffic collisions. Much research concludes that fleet or company drivers have an increased crash risk relative to that of privately registered vehicle drivers. A company’s responsibility must consider the welfare of its employees, as well as the dangers business fleets pose to other road users. As a coalition of private sector companies, Together for Safer Roads (TSR) understands the massive financial, legal, reputational, and social implications road traffic crashes have on corporate entities. We also recognize that every company has a responsibility for action. TSR was founded because, as leaders of global companies, we believe that it is time for more assertive action on road safety. We commit our combined knowledge, data, technology, and networks to promote road safety–and we invite other companies to do the same. In order to leverage our collective insight and experience, we have developed a set of best practice guidelines for companies to employ. In alignment with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety’s Five Pillars, this report aims to assist companies with best practice processes for road safety, through corporate programs to address road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response. The first step in developing a corporate road safety program is determining how the program will be managed. Once companies have identified program goals, policies must be developed to clarify safety standards, direct program management, establish roles and responsibilities, and ensure alignment with best practice. This report provides an overview of required elements of a Motor Vehicle Safety (MVS) Policy and processes for direct program management. In addition, the report provides guidance for the management of contractors to ensure road safety standards are being met across all business activities. Further guidance is provided for establishing a data collection and analysis process, with the recommendation of the formation of safety performance metrics and appropriate measures for collecting data. Once data on company vehicles, drivers, and road-related activities has been captured, this data can then be analyzed to provide key insights on factors influencing safety performance, and act as a singular point of truth for drivers. This data can further be used to analyze the success of road safety initiatives and support internal and external reporting on best practice. To limit the risks associated with road transportation, consideration for road safety and mobility must form part of management’s planning activities. Managing the transportation journey should involve a process for planning and mapping hazardous routes. This report proposes planning to minimize mileage and driving time to ensure drivers are well-rested and capable of performing their job safely. Route mapping should be performed to identify and manage the potential hazards associated with each journey. To support companies with this task, this report sets out a standard process for hazardous route mapping. Investment, upkeep, and suitable turn-over of company vehicles are key components of a corporate road safety program. Vehicle selection should be made with regard to the specific tasks vehicles will perform. Effort should be made to select vehicles that perform well on both crashworthiness and functional dimensions.8 Adoption of safety technologies or other additional safety features will depend upon the requirements of company vehicles, the conditions of the roads encountered, and the need for companies to respond to trends in driver behaviors and incidents. The following outlines a list of safety features and technologies for company consideration. Once vehicles have been selected and enhanced with relevant safety features, management must set clear policies for vehicle inspection, servicing, and renewal. Regular vehicle inspections are crucial for identifying malfunctions and managing vehicle faults. Reporting guidelines must also form part of the corporate MVS Policy and cover the requirement of drivers to report any vehicle malfunction in an immediate fashion. For optimal safety, vehicle inspections prior to and following every transportation journey should be conducted, as well as the development of a preventative maintenance program to monitor vehicle status. For the greatest impact, companies must develop an environment that influences and supports the emergence of safer road users. Employee participation and commitment to safe practice is essential for program success. In order to support the emergence of a corporate road safety culture, reinforcement of road safety programs through incentive and disincentive schemes is recommended. Companies are also advised to report on program results and achievements, as a mechanism for boosting employee morale and strengthening commitment to road safety initiatives. To build a company of safer road users, driver attitudes, knowledge, health status, and skills must be assessed at the time of hire and an ongoing basis. The following report provides ways companies can approach the hiring, review, training, support, and professional development of company drivers to build a strong workforce of safe road users. To guide employees in complying with company expectations for safe practice, driving guidelines and key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring employee performance and compliance with MVS Policy must be established. To help companies with the development of driving guidelines, safety specific factors for consideration are outlined as well. Road safety education and motivation programs are essential for ensuring drivers are constantly learning and expanding their knowledge. To track employee adherence to safe practice and pinpoint areas for development, a process for driver monitoring must exist. The use of telematics, management ride-alongs, and public feedback are suitable methods for driver monitoring. To optimize organizational road safety measures, employees must be suitably prepared to respond effectively in the event that a collision does occur. Post-crash reporting and investigation is vital for any corporate road safety program. Drivers should be interviewed following each incident to collect data on why the incident occurred and how it could have been avoided.8 Through the adoption of safe transportation policies and practices, the private sector can make a significant impact on the safety of the world’s roads. With these guidelines, TSR aims to support companies with the transition to best practice, allowing us to work together towards a united objective–to improve road safety globally. (Author/publisher)
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