Fleet Risk Consultants » Vehicle Use

Looking after your drivers both in and out of their vehicles.

Nigel — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:33:51 +0000

The trouble with vehicles is, that as they are being driven, you know less about where they are and what they are doing. If you are a business this can present you with a problem because you have both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that the vehicles are being driven safely and legally.

Now the solution currently available giving you the way of knowing where your vehicles are is to use telematics, which is a black box in the vehicle which uploads data to a server that you can access via the internet. You can get some really useful reports from location and routes to speeds and engine idle times. But and it is a big BUT, they can be expensive and you can only fit this technology to a vehicle that you either own or lease, vehicles that are owned by your employees, otherwise known as grey fleet, presents a bit of a problem as they will get a little annoyed about you fitting a box of tricks to their pride and joy.

I have great news on that topic, as I have found a solution to track these grey fleet vehicles at low cost and with very good data. It can even enforce your mobile phone policy if you have one.

We are working with the guys who have developed this product to fine tune the reporting and the risk benefits, but if you have people driving in connection with your business then we can help YOU.

Give us a call to find out how we do it on 01623 675833.

Nigel Grainger

Senior Consultant
Fleet Risk Consultants

Keeping your vehicle safe and legal

Nigel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:39:20 +0000

Having spent a significant time driving in the early hours recently, or at least before the sun has emerged from its slumber, I have noticed an increasing number of vehicles driving without lights or with defective lights.

Now defective lights are an obvious defect, but it usually means that the driver has got other defects too. So spend a little time doing the following, oh and make sure your staff are doing this as it could cause you as a business owner some issues too.

Tyres – You need to check the tread depth, tyre pressure (you may need the handbook for this bit) and the general condition of the tyre. I recommend that you have no less than 2mm of tread on your tyres. You should check your tyres every month.

Lights – Take the time to check all of your lights on your vehicle. You should also invest in a spare bulb set too. Remember that your lights are there to ensure you are seen rather than to see where you are going in most cases. You should check your lights every week.

Oil – You should check your oil weekly.

Water – You should also make sure that the water levels are correct.

Screen wash – You should maintain the strength of your screen wash and remember an empty screenwash bottle is an offence.

Wipers – If your wipers are not clearing the screen you are putting yourself in danger and the worst part is you won’t see the danger coming.

If you are unsure then contact a professional for advice.

Nigel Grainger
Senior Consultant

Fleet Risk Consultants