Global Fleet Champions, a not-for-profit global campaign to prevent crashes and reduce pollution caused by vehicles used for work purposes created by Brake, the road safety charity, has recently published a new valuable resource to help fleet managers tackle the challenges coming up with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resource is a factsheet entitled Advice for fleet managers: Managing road risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, that covers some of the key road safety issues that have emerged with the Coronavirus crisis:
- Recruiting drivers to cover for possible absence/sick leave/quarantine of the workforce;
- Meeting an increased demand for deliveries;
- Ensuring a safe driving behaviour is taking place all the time;
- Reducing risks for cyclists or walkers as people tend to take public transport less.
As some research has revealed, quieter roads may lead to distraction or tempt drivers to speed, and the pressures of lockdown may encourage drivers who drink to drink more or consume drugs.
The factsheet gives simple tips on how to manage journeys, ensure vehicle safety, and look after driver wellbeing especially those coming back from lockdown, as well as giving guidance on what to consider when recruiting and training new drivers to meet increased demands for deliveries and other services.
Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “COVID-19 has changed the road environment around the world and has created new challenges for fleet managers. It is more important than ever that fleet managers review their policies and procedures to manage work-related road risk."
You can find the resource on the Global Fleet Champions website at https://globalfleetchampions.org/resources/factsheet-managing-road-risk-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/.
Photo by Michael Marais on Unsplash
