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SAFE DRIVING SAVES LIVES AND MONEY

05/06/09

Hauliers keen to promote safe driving practice will also find that they save money on fuel and also in terms of insurance payouts and premiums.

That's the message from Telford-based haulage insurance experts TruckQuote , who have issued a list of top tips for truckers aimed at saving lives on the road and keeping costs down for haulage companies.

High diesel prices are currently threatening to cripple the haulage industry and put jobs at risk but investing in best safety practice can help save money during this difficult time whilst also preventing accidents, says TruckQuote managing director Larry Smith.

A safer business is a more profitable business, taking steps to cut the number of accidents doesn't just save money on insurance, it can lead to significant savings elsewhere.

With fatal accidents involving HGVs costing on average close to £1,000,000 annually, saving lives means significant financial savings, not to mention the unquantifiable cost in terms of human suffering.

Cutting the number and cost of accidents means lower insurance premiums as well as a cut in uninsured damage, a particular issue if there's a high policy excess.

Safer driving can yield an immediate fuel bill cut of 10 per cent or more, as well as savings through reduced tyre wear.

Fewer accidents means less truck and driver down-time and less management time wasted dealing with disrupted delivery schedules, a better delivery record means more satisfied customers and testimonials from happy clients can be a real asset when it comes to winning new haulage contracts.

TruckQuote's tips for safer, more cost effective trucking are:

Make an investment in crash reduction measures premium savings and the cut in uninsured damage could more than cover that investment
Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment, then take appropriate action
41 per cent of drivers suffer from a sleep disorder screen them for sleep apnoea
Monitor driver behaviour with vehicle telematics'
Introduce driver training - your insurance provider should be able to help with detailed information
Eliminating harsh breaking and acceleration, optimising the use of the gears and minimising vehicle idling time can all lead to dramatic savings in fuel consumption
Driver training leads to safer and more fuel efficient driving & can cut your fuel bill by 10 per cent or more - consider a SAFED approved trainer

If you have any comments about the kind of thing youd like to hear about on The Wagon Reel, please drop us a line at thewagonreel@truckquote.co.uk


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