Greetings, fleet managers and drivers!
As we approach the NHTSA’s annual impaired driving campaign (August 14 – September 2), it’s crucial for fleet managers and drivers to stay vigilant and combat impaired driving.
The campaign’s messages—Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, If You Feel Different, You Drive Different, Drive High, Get a DUI, and Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over—aren’t just catchy slogans; they’re essential reminders that impaired driving is a serious, year-round concern for all of us in the fleet industry.
Why it matters:
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve an alcohol-impaired driver. In 2022 alone, this accounted for over 10,000 deaths.
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that drug and alcohol violations among commercial drivers have been increasing, with a 5% rise in positive drug tests reported in 2023 compared to the previous year.
What can you do to combat impaired driving?
- Reinforce Policies: Regularly review and update your fleet’s policies on impaired driving. Clear and consistent guidelines help set expectations, ensure compliance, and keep everyone accountable.
- Effective SAFER Fleet Driver Training: Equip your drivers with the knowledge and skills they need through effective SAFER fleet driver training. At NTSI, our fleet driver training programs are designed to address the complexities of impaired driving—whether due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or other factors. Our comprehensive driver safety training empowers your fleet to recognize and avoid impaired driving situations, ensuring they stay safe on the road.
- Monitor and Support: Keep an eye on your fleet’s behavior with regular check-ins and support systems. Whether it’s through technology like telematics or regular safety briefings, staying connected with your drivers can make a big difference in identifying potential risks before they become incidents.
- Lead by Example: As a fleet manager, your commitment to safety sets the tone for your entire team. Encourage a culture of responsibility where safety is the top priority. Share stories of drivers who exemplify safe practices, and make sure everyone knows that impaired driving is never worth the risk.
Why now?
With the NHTSA campaign underway, there’s no better time to remind your fleet drivers of the importance of staying sober and alert behind the wheel. Let’s use this opportunity to reinforce these critical safety messages and ensure our fleets are prepared for the road ahead.
Remember, preventing impaired driving isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble for you and your fleet—it’s about protecting lives, preserving your fleet’s reputation, and maintaining the efficiency of your operations. NTSI is here to support you every step of the way with top-notch training and resources, including our effective SAFER fleet driver training programs.
Explore how our fleet driver training and driver safety training at NTSI can further enhance your fleet’s safety protocols and help you build a culture of safety that lasts all year long. Because at the end of the day, an informed fleet is a safer fleet—and a safer fleet is a successful fleet!
One last week to register and gain valuable insights on this timely topic to help your drivers stay safe, reduce your bottom line, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of children as they head back to school. Please join our SAFER School Season: Fleet Drivers, Crisscrossing Kids, and School Buses – Oh My! Webinar on August 27, 2024. Seats are almost full, so Register Here!
Stay safe and drive smart!
