Posted by Randy Klatt
Technology is everywhere in the 21st century. This includes Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that are now compact, affordable, and easy to use. If you operate a fleet of vehicles it might be time to look at GPS for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is safety.
Workers are more likely to die on the job from auto crashes than any other occupational hazard. There are many steps that can be taken to improve the safety of a fleet operation including the review of driver’s motor vehicle records, requiring documented vehicle inspections, conducting recurring driver training, and employing DOT physicals. However, employers cannot control the conditions in which employees are driving, or be with them at all times to ensure they are obeying traffic rules or following company policies. Here is where GPS offers some help.
You can now actually know if your vehicles are exceeding speed parameters you have set. You can instantly see where all your trucks, vans, or cars are located and their current speeds. Dispatching, schedule changes, and responding to emergencies all becomes easier and more efficient. Determining an ETA (estimated time of arrival) is no longer a guess; customers will appreciate this accurate information. More efficient responses will also mean less temptation for drivers to exceed speed limits, especially since they know their movements can be seen. For those who have hours-of-service restrictions, GPS can be used to ensure accurate reporting and log keeping.
GPS can be used to run an operation both more efficiently and with a greater degree of safety. Maintenance costs can be reduced as vehicles are actually being driven with more care. This allows companies to make disciplinary decisions when necessary and reward those drivers who are doing the right thing.
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