If you are driving for business, the risk of an accident increases with 40%. Cartrack has compiled a list of safety tips to encourage improved driver behaviour, which will help reduce the likelihood of an accident whilst protecting your company fleet.

Drowsy Driving Fleet drivers tend to have irregular driving times and sleep patterns and are at risk of driving while fatigued. This is one of the main reasons for the high accident rate on South African 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 head up.
Leaving the lane and driving in snaking.
Unable to clearly remember the last few kilometers traveled.
Yawning repeatedly.
Feeling irritable, irritable, or aggressive.
2. Control the speed and drive calmly
Speeding and reckless driving are major causes of vehicle accidents, so be aware of your limitations and the limitations of your vehicle. If you're angry or distressed, you're more likely to drive too aggressively, causing you to accelerate hard, brake hard, and make dangerous maneuvers. Not only does aggressive driving endanger your own safety and the safety of others, it also increases fuel consumption and wear and tear on your vehicle, resulting in increased costs for your company.
3. Stay alert and ready
Check the weather forecast in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Be sure to bring necessary emergency equipment and an extra set of clothes.
Always plan ahead to account for road and traffic conditions.
Staying alert and identifying possible hazards on the road early can reduce the need to brake or accelerate hard and avoid unnecessary stops.
Always obey the speed limit.
Monitor your fuel consumption (measure and record improvements), save fuel and stay safe.
4. Always check your vehicle before driving
When performing a ring inspection, remember the abbreviation FLOWER for fuel, light, oil, water, electrical and rubber.
Be sure to remove the load weights and roof rack before performing a loop inspection.
Make sure your vehicle is prepared for all conditions on the road; your tires, wipers and lights should be in good working order.
Before leaving, be sure to check for fluids on the floor, flat tires, or anything unusual.
5. Protect potholes
If you speed, the impact of potholes on your tires is increased and can cause hidden and internal damage that can lead to tire failure much later. Sometimes it's impossible to avoid potholes, so keep the following tips in mind when you encounter one.
Never brake upon impact, but apply the brakes before hitting the pothole and release them before impact.
Braking on impact means the tire and wheel assembly will be set up for a "hard hit" aimed at the edge of the pothole.
You can do less damage to your tires if you roll instead of sliding over potholes while braking.
If you hit a pothole and feel your vehicle "pull" afterwards, this is a sign of vehicle damage.
6. Fleet vehicle management
Use vehicle momentum: When approaching the top of a hill, if it is safe to do so, release your foot on 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 starting gently and driving smoothly.
High RPM: When conditions permit, drive in the highest gear without straining the engine.
Engine Brake: Release the accelerator pedal to allow the engine to act as a compression brake.
Make sure to watch traffic carefully and allow enough room for engine braking to work effectively.
Blocked gear changes (manual vehicles): Once you know your vehicle, you don't have to use each gear in sequence. "Shipping" is a great way to reduce fuel consumption and better protect your transmission.
Engine idling: If you do not move for more than 30 seconds, shut down the engine. This saves fuel and reduces damage to the engine.
Always read your vehicle manual to learn as much as possible. Make sure your vehicle is maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you are a manager, you should ask this question: To what extent do we encourage, support and communicate with our employees to drive in this way?
Follow these tips and guidance to keep your fleet safe and stay safe on the roads.