As providers of a pay as you go GPS tracking systems and fleet management software, we are acutely aware that among the most popular safety concerns in companies that rely upon driving as well as for anyone in charge of road safety is the training and the driving style of young drivers.
For a number of reasons, young drivers are placed in the highest at-risk driver brackets. This may be down to the inexperience of the novice: a combination of overconfidence in one’s driving ability as well as limited awareness regarding the dangers associated with driving. Young drivers, according to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) publication Managing Young Drivers at Work, tend not only to be overconfident but also to be more prone to speeding. The problem is that the unmonitored driving behaviour of young drivers can have serious consequences for companies which depend on drivers, but also for other road users…
Since companies have an ethical and legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their staff as well as for the other people on the road, keeping track of the driving style of young drivers could be particularly helpful for their training. So, how would you use a pay as you go tracking system for assessing risks among young drivers?
#1 - Detecting dangerous driving
A pay as you go GPS tracking system like SynX gives you the opportunity to monitor driver behaviour and keep tabs on any dangerous driving event, particularly speeding, harsh braking and rapid acceleration. This could be a very useful tool to train young drivers and prevent risks.
#2 - Detect common driving issues
With our feature, “Map my issues”, you can be advised of the presence of any recurring aggressive driving issues and train your team to tackle them.
#3 - Promote driver games
With our system it is also possible to organise driver competitions to raise awareness on safety and teach eco-driving as well as safe driving techniques. And remember, psychologically speaking, no one wants to be at the bottom of the rankings!
#4 - Take advantage of meetings
You should take advantage of any occasion to discuss the dangerous driving events you find out and reinforce your safety policy —whether reminding drivers not to speed or that wearing a seat belt is compulsory. Make sure you set up safety reminders, especially once you become aware of the most common safety issues in your fleet.