VEHICLE LOSSES

Work related vehicle accidents have a major impact on the health and safety of your employees and enrolled children. The ideas listed below could help improve employee performance and safety and possibly save a child.

What Can You Do?
Accidents happen! You have no control over bad weather, poor road conditions, congested traffic and other drivers. You can, however, have an influence on the quality of people you employ as drivers and the vehicles they operate. Take a moment to review the ideas listed below. Following these tips could minimize the chance of your employee and students being involved in a crash.

Driver Selection
Be sure to carefully select and properly train your drivers. Age, experience and a clean driving record are important driver selection criteria. Drivers should be 25+ years with at least five years of driving experience with no violations or accidents for the last three years. Be sure the driver has a current state driver's license and keep it on file. In most cases, your insurance carrier will order MVR's and notify you if a driver has a bad driving record.

Vehicle Selection
The type of vehicle used to transport children will vary based on the size of the center and its specific needs. It is common to see SUV's, vans and school buses used to transport children. Whatever the vehicle type, be sure each vehicle is maintained and serviced regularly. Keep records and receipts on all parts & service work performed.

Have Policies & Procedures That Encourage Safe Transport
Both drivers and students need to be aware of acceptable vehicle behavior. Practice and reinforce the basic rules. Set rules related to use of seatbelts, proper boarding and unloading, horseplay in a moving vehicle, keeping arms & hands inside the vehicle, appropriate voice levels, etc.

Report Accidents and Incidents Immediately to Your Insurance Carrier
Make sure your employees know what to do if they're involved in an accident! Equip vehicles with glove box vehicle accident report forms as well as disposable cameras so drivers can record damage and vehicles at the scene. It is critical to train your employees on how to report crashes and record information. As soon as possible, report the accident or incident to you insurance agent.