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With the aim of safeguarding truck drivers and protecting vehicles, Ex-Guard shared a list of solutions to reduce accidents.
In the third quarter of 2023, Ex-Guard launched a damage and trailer accident monitoring program for truck fleets across the United States. This program focuses on identifying the factors that contribute to damage reduction in Class 6-8 trucks, with the goal of improving safety and operational efficiency.
The data was gathered through quantitative interviews with Ex-Guard clients managing fleets of over 5,000 vehicles. A survey of more than 100 fleets was conducted, collecting data on costs related to the replacement of parts that can cause trailer accidents. The results show a significant reduction in damage, highlighting the success of the solutions implemented to mitigate these risks. With the aim of safeguarding truck drivers and protecting vehicles, the company shared a list of solutions to reduce these types of accidents.
Tactics for reducing trailer accidents in truck fleets
The information gathered by Ex-Guard demonstrates that accidents can be reduced by up to 80% by implementing the following practices in a commercial fleet:
1. Use front protection
Installing grille guards on all Class 8 trucks, including those equipped with collision mitigation systems, does not reduce road bumps or parking lot incidents but significantly decreases the severity of damage. This allows trucks to stay in service more often.
2. Extend braking distances
Focusing on increasing braking distances is a fundamental principle for drivers, who are trained to do so as speed increases. Reinforcing this habit regularly helps solidify safe driving practices in the transportation industry.
3. Provide Ongoing Vehicle Maintenance
According to Ex-Guard, nearly 90% of truck fleets in the U.S. use retreaded tires, which offer cost savings but can be compromised by poor maintenance, such as misaligned dual tires. This causes uneven wear, reduces tire lifespan, and increases the risk of blowouts or loss of control, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance to prevent accidents.
In this regard, many fleets in the U.S. and Canada have improved their safety and reduced negative inspection reports by adopting fleet maintenance software, which enables more efficient completion of maintenance and inspection routines, thus improving both efficiency and safety.
4. Implement speed limiters
Speed limiters can reduce the risk of collisions caused by brief lapses in excessive speed. Independent studies show that these devices significantly lower the likelihood of trailer accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks with speed limiters experience half the high-speed collisions of those without.
5. Offer safety incentive programs
It is essential to encourage drivers not to drive in adverse weather conditions, as some may feel pressured by conditional incentives, putting their safety, the load, and the truck at risk. To promote a culture of safety, many safety departments are encouraging more prudent decisions, such as removing penalties when weather advisories are issued. Additionally, safety incentive programs, such as those that reward accident-free miles, are effective in establishing a safety culture.
6. Utilize technology
Using new trucks with safety devices, such as cameras, improves both safety and driver behavior. Furthermore, technology to monitor weather conditions and plan routes optimizes safety, fuel savings, and punctuality, becoming essential for the operational success of the fleet.
7. Consider driver feedback
To retain top drivers, successful fleets survey their employees about safety equipment, benefits, and amenities. This helps understand their needs and, most importantly, identify which equipment provides them with the most safety and comfort. Listening to and considering driver feedback not only contributes to the continued success of the fleet but also improves overall safety.
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