Large vehicles come with significant risks. Property damage, both on and off the road, and a single serious incident can lead to an insurance claim that impacts your ability to continue your operations.
Repair costs have increased over the years as more vehicles incorporate more advanced technology – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, costs after a collision or other transport-related incident can come from all angles: property damage can be steep when a heavy commercial vehicle is involved, and injured parties can claim accident benefits. Keep in mind that your company’s reputation can also suffer tremendously if your fleet is frequently involved in collisions or unsafe driving events.
However, by being proactive, you can help reduce the likelihood of transportation claims. While you can’t eliminate every risk, knowing what to watch out for and how to manage potential hazards can make all the difference.
Identifying key risks and steps to avoid transportation claims
Here are the most common causes of transportation claims, along with some tips on how to coordinate your efforts to avoid them.
1. Vehicle collisions
Many transportation claims are the result of vehicle collisions, whether they’re moving or stationary. Sideswiping, rear-ending, and reversing into vehicles or property can lead to major damage. While it’s never an ideal situation, there are steps fleet managers can take to reduce the risk.
If rear-ending is a concern, discuss safe driving distances with your employees. For instance, the minimum recommended following distance when operating a 21-24 metre vehicle is seven to eight seconds.
It’s also important to remind your fleet to consider external factors such as weather, road conditions, and traffic flow when adjusting their driving speed. It is also crucial to consider how the weight of the vehicle can affect stopping distance.
To further improve safety and prevent collisions, consider equipping your trucks with disc brakes to reduce stopping time. You can also install a telematics system to monitor driver behaviour and provide guidance for your driver training program.
However, technology alone is not enough. Up-to-date knowledge and expertise around how to operate the vehicles are equally important. Well-adjusted mirrors, a firm understanding of dimensions and agility, and looking out for overhead objects coupled with an advanced collision avoidance system or high-tech lighting can greatly improve your chances of avoiding an incident.
2. Single-vehicle rollovers
Hauling a lot of weight with a top-heavy vehicle can set the stage for a rollover, especially when fatigue and high speed are at play. To help prevent rollovers, ensure your drivers get adequate rest and introduce a fatigue management program.
Adjusting speed when approaching on and off ramps is a crucial habit for drivers to adopt, but an equipment upgrade could help prevent rollovers, as well. Additionally, you can install an electronic stability control system that monitors vehicle motion and automatically decelerates the engine and applies braking before a rollover occurs.
3. Animal strikes
While driving on any highway, there is a risk of encountering animals, which can lead to serious accidents. In the event of a collision, you could be left with major vehicle damage. Trucks with reinforced bumpers or “roo bars” can handle the impact better, but there are several habits drivers can adopt to avoid the incident in the first place, like:
- Watch for animal crossing signs and pay extra attention in these areas during dusk and dawn hours.
- Maintain a safe speed and scan the road from shoulder to shoulder.
- If you see glowing eyes in the distance, slow down and proceed with caution.
- Remember that animals can move unpredictably – do not assume they will simply move out of the way.
4. Trouble with turns
Intersections can be dangerous for large vehicles. Whether turning right or left, these maneuvers require good decision-making, situational awareness, and trust in the drivers around you. Drivers must know (and follow) the rules of the road and be aware of vehicles trying to squeeze in at the side of the truck, but there are also ways for fleet operators to help their drivers avoid collisions when turning. Encourage fleet operators to provide regular training refresher courses for their drivers, focusing on defensive driving best practices and addressing any problematic behaviours.
5. Cargo problems
Hauling delicate, perishable, or hazardous cargo can put your load at risk of spoilage, theft, and damage. To avoid having to make a claim related to your cargo, you’ll need to pay greater attention to your temperature-controlled equipment: make a maintenance schedule and stick to it, train your staff to properly set the temperature, and if your budget allows, consider installing satellite technology to monitor and remotely adjust cargo temperatures while in transit.
Cargo theft can be a more complex threat to manage as organized crime rings are operating and targeting vulnerable shipments across the country. Implement anti-theft devices, monitor your fleet for suspicious activity, and address security risks specific to your operations.
Protect yourself and your business with insurance
Despite your best efforts to take all necessary precautions, accidents can still happen on the road. That’s why having the right coverage in place is crucial. To learn more about how insurance can help protect your business, visit our Transportation Insurance page today!
