As the leaves turn and pumpkins begin to line doorsteps, the air grows thick with a sense of both excitement and unease. Often, this time of year is filled with suspense, scares and surprises — most of which we welcome with open arms. For small business owners, there are some surprises they'd rather avoid no matter the season, particularly when it comes to the safety of their commercial vehicle fleets. Recently, when asked to list their biggest workplace safety scenario, many small business owners referenced auto-related safety concerns among their top concerns. This concern was surfaced during the Pie Insurance safety survey and reflects the significant impact that commercial vehicle safety has on businesses. While ghosts and goblins are harmless fun, dangers on the road are anything but. This season, I encourage you to step into the world of commercial auto safety and ensure that your business is prepared to face the real-life frights that could otherwise turn your fleet into a nightmare.

Why commercial auto safety matters

Every business that relies on vehicles — whether it's a fleet of delivery trucks or a few service vans — knows that the road can be an unpredictable and sometimes dangerous place. From the foggy mornings to dark, rainy nights, your drivers are out there braving the elements and facing the unexpected. Even the best driver can find themselves in a terrifying situation. When we think of this time of year, our minds often drift to haunted houses and creepy creatures. But for small business owners, the true horror story can be found in the aftermath of a vehicle accident. These incidents don't just involve a bit of financial strain — they can cripple a business, leading to skyrocketing insurance premiums, costly repairs, and in the worst cases, legal battles. As if that weren't enough to make your skeleton shiver, there's also the matter of keeping your drivers safe. |

The reality of commercial vehicle accidents

There were approximately 30,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses in the U.S in 2022 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This staggering number highlights the critical need for effective safety measures to protect your fleet and your business. |

Economic impact

The financial repercussions of commercial vehicle accidents are substantial. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that these costs include repair costs, medical expenses, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. However, effective risk management can help mitigate these expenses, ensuring your business isn't left vulnerable to the financial blow of an accident. The slideshow above illustrated four scenarios that could haunt your fleet. |

Proactive measures to ward off danger

The best way to protect your fleet from the spooky scenarios described is to be proactive. Think of these steps as your business's silver bullets, wooden stakes, and magic charms — tools that can prevent accidents and keep your operations running smoothly. |

1. Regular Vehicle Inspections: Schedule regular inspections and ensure that any potential issues are addressed before they escalate. This not only prevents breakdowns but also ensures that your vehicles are in top shape, ready to face any challenge.
2. Comprehensive Driver Training: Invest in driver training programs that cover all aspects of safe driving, including managing distractions, handling fatigue, and navigating through adverse weather conditions. Regular refreshers can help keep these critical skills sharp.
3. Clear Safety Protocols: Develop and enforce safety protocols tailored to your fleet's specific needs. Ensure that all drivers are familiar with these guidelines and understand the importance of following them.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Equip your vehicles with emergency kits, including first-aid supplies, tools, and contact information for roadside assistance. Ensure your drivers know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.

Keeping the ghouls at bay

As the spooky season draws near, take some time to reflect on the safety of your commercial fleet. By addressing the risks and implementing the proactive measures outlined above, you can protect your small business from the real-life frights that could otherwise turn your operations into a horror show. So, as you prepare your business for the busy season ahead, remember to keep commercial auto safety at the forefront of your mind. With the right strategies in place, you can navigate the haunted highways with confidence, so that your drivers, your fleet, and your business remain safe and sound. Happy Halloween! And remember — stay safe, stay vigilant, and keep the spooky stuff confined to the trick-or-treaters.

Carla Woodard

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