If you are driving commercially, the risk of an accident increases by 40%. Cartrack has compiled a list of safety tips to encourage improved driver behavior, which will help reduce the likelihood of accidents while protecting your company fleet.

Drowsy driving Fleet drivers tend to have irregular driving times and sleep patterns, and are at risk of fatigue driving. This is one of the main reasons for the high accident rate on South Africa's roads. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the following warning signs indicate that drivers need to find a safe place to park and address their condition:
Difficulty concentrating, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids.
Difficulty keeping your head up.
Off-lane and serpentine driving.
It is not possible to clearly remember the distance traveled in the last few kilometers.
Repeated yawning.
Feeling irritable, irritable, or aggressive.
2. Control the speed of the car and drive calmly
Speeding and reckless driving are the leading causes of vehicle accidents, so be aware of your limitations and the limitations of your vehicle. If you're feeling angry or distressed, you're more likely to drive too aggressively, causing you to accelerate sharply, brake sharply, and make dangerous maneuvers. Aggressive driving not only endangers your own safety and the safety of others, but also increases fuel consumption and wear and tear on the vehicle, which leads to increased costs for the company.
3. Stay vigilant and ready
Check the weather forecast in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Always bring the necessary emergency equipment and an extra set of clothing.
Always plan ahead for road and traffic conditions.
Being vigilant and identifying possible hazards on the road early can reduce the need to brake sharply or accelerate and avoid unnecessary stops.
Always observe the speed limit.
Monitor your fuel consumption (measure and document improvements) to save fuel and stay safe.
4. Always check the vehicle before driving
When doing a ring inspection, keep in mind the acronym FLOWER, which stands for fuel, lights, oil, water, electrics, and rubber.
Before performing the ring inspection, make sure to remove the load weight and roof rack.
Make sure your vehicle is prepared for various situations on the road; Your tires, wipers, and lights should be in good working order.
Before leaving, always check the floor for liquid, flat tires, or any abnormalities.
5. Protect against potholes
If you overdrive, the impact of potholes on the tire increases and can lead to hidden and internal damage, which can cause the tire to fail very late. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid potholes, so when you encounter potholes, keep the following tips in mind.
Never brake on impact, but apply the brakes before hitting the pothole and release it before impact.
Braking on impact means that the tire and wheel assembly will be set to align with the "hard impact" at the edge of the pothole.
If you roll instead of sliding over potholes while braking, you can reduce damage to your tires.
If you experience potholes and feel your vehicle subsequently "pulling," this indicates damage to the vehicle.
6. Fleet vehicle management
Use vehicle momentum: When approaching the top of the hill, if it is safe, release the accelerator pedal and let the vehicle's momentum move you forward.
Reversing: Try not to reverse when the engine is cold. Warm up your engine by gently starting and driving smoothly.
High-range and low-rpm: When conditions allow, drive in the highest gear without straining the engine.
Engine brake: Release the accelerator pedal so that the engine acts as a compression brake.
Make sure to watch traffic carefully and leave enough space for the engine brakes to work effectively.
Block gear shifts (manual vehicles): Once you know your vehicle, you don't have to use each gear in order. "Gear hopping" is a great way to reduce fuel consumption and better protect the gearbox.
Engine idle: If you don't move for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. This saves fuel and reduces damage to the engine.
Always read your vehicle's manual to learn as much as possible. Make sure your vehicle is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are a manager, you should ask the question: To what extent do we encourage, support and communicate with our employees to drive this way?
Follow these recommendations and guidance to keep your fleet safe and stay safe on the road.