Please note: the following article was developed for educational purposes only and covers a wide variety of general workplace safety concerns and considerations, some not relevant to workers’ compensation or commercial auto coverage.
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 spooks, scares, and surprises—most of which we welcome with open arms. For small business owners though, 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 nightmare/worst case scenario, many small business owners referenced auto-related safety concerns among their top concerns. This concern was surfaced during our safety survey and it 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, let’s 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.
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. Buteven 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.
For small business owners, it’s crucial to ensure that drivers are fully trained to avoid these distractions. Strict policies and regular reminders can act as your garlic and crucifix, warding off the potential dangers that lurk behind the wheel.
Regular inspections, timely repairs, and a proactive approach to maintenance are key to keeping this specter at bay. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies poor vehicle maintenance as a major cause of commercial vehicle accidents, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue.
For small business owners, implementing strict driving hours and ensuring your drivers are well-rested is essential. Think of it as your fleet’s protection against the zombie-like state of drowsy driving.
Ensuring your drivers are trained to handle adverse weather and that your vehicles are equipped with the proper tires and equipment is like fortifying your fleet against the brewing storm.
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.
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.
Pie Insurance commissioned Yougov PLC to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1034 US small business owners, as defined as companies with 1-500 employees. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19th - 27th February 2024. The survey was carried out online.
Thanks for reading! This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not imply coverage under commercial auto or other insurance offered through Pie Insurance Services, Inc. Please consult an agent or attorney for any questions regarding applicability of insurance coverage in all circumstances.
