Fleet operators urged to check drivers' records

Many types of businesses need qualified drivers, but sometimes, simply being qualified isn’t quite enough.

A driver’s record and prior behavior tend to be indicators when analyzing risk factors, so a little bit of research can save a large headache down the road for fleet operators, a blog on the Zeiler Insurance Services website said.

In order to ensure a standard for your drivers, it is best to create a comprehensive fleet safety program, which needs to spell out policies, including driver eligibility requirements (including what past offenses are deemed unacceptable for drivers), training, safety rules and maintenance schedules, the posting said.

Prior to deciding a driver is qualified, it is important to check their driving history. In addition, you should be following up on drivers’ performance by getting updated records frequently. There are also driver monitoring services which can provide up to date information on drivers, the post said.

The posting said that some issues to determine if a driver is qualified include having a current, non-suspended license; having one year of incident-free experience; having two or more at-fault accidents, three moving violations, or a combination of the two; a record of DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, vehicular manslaughter/homicide, leaving the scene of an accident or refusing a sobriety test; and testing positive for drugs or alcohol.