Nonprofit and human service organizations of all sizes and specialties rely on safe, functioning vehicles to serve their clients and fulfill their mission. While fleet operations are an essential facet of many nonprofit and human service organizations, they also open them up to dangerous and potentially expensive accidents.
The most common accident claims involving such fleet vehicles include backing-up claims or rear-end collisions. Because nonprofits and human services often utilize large passenger vans or minivans, drivers regularly find themselves in congested areas with frequent starts and stops that contribute to common insurance claims. From resident or client conversations inside the vehicle to the use of cell phones and other technology, distracted driving also has a significant impact on fleet-related incidents.
How can your nonprofit and human service clients better promote fleet safety today? Help their leaders approach fleet safety with a few impactful tips:
Employee Screenings
Employee screening is the first line of defense in fleet safety. Nonprofit and human service leaders should establish standards of acceptability that will help hold drivers accountable before the hiring process even begins. Once established, your client should screen every potential employee’s driving record against those standards of acceptability. Driving records of existing employees should also be reviewed annually and compared to the standards of acceptability to encourage ongoing accountability for driver safety.
Driver Training
Once a driver’s record has been screened and the driver has been hired, the new employee should complete a comprehensive orientation and training program. While driver protocols will vary by organization, at minimum drivers should be made aware of the organization’s expectations, general safe driving practices and training specific to the vehicle they will be operating and in what conditions they will be operating it. Drivers need to be trained on specific information such as the operational differences between a 12-passenger van and a minivan, any potential distractions that could inhibit their driving ability and how to safely maneuver and transport passengers during weather-related hazards. After employees have completed the initial course, they should complete training at least annually thereafter. Consistent driver safety training will also help organizations defend themselves against potential accident litigation.
Technology Tools
While proper screening and driver safety training are effective practices for nonprofit and human service organizations, technology can further encourage fleet safety. Tools such as telematics and video-based monitoring can help an organization monitor behaviors in real time. When leadership is made aware of potentially dangerous behaviors, they can talk to their drivers, perform a ride-along and/or call for additional training to address the behaviors at issue.
Proper Coverage
Proper insurance coverage is a must-have for nonprofit and human service organizations’ operating fleets. A fleet needs to be insured per state requirements and nonprofit leaders should ensure every single vehicle used by the organization is insured. Additional coverage should include personal injury protection, underinsured motorist coverage and more. An insurance broker can help develop a thorough insurance portfolio tailored to the needs of the organization.
While nonprofit and human service leaders cannot control what happens when drivers are out on route, they can ensure they are set up for success and protected on the open road.
We can help you navigate the wide range of technology options available and ensure they are utilizing the most effective tools for your client’s safety goals and expectations.
The Right Partner
At Convelo, we understand that our job is to provide the best possible coverage, at the most competitive pricing that empower your clients to focus on their mission.
Our insurance team offers comprehensive insurance coverage and risk management solutions to protect nonprofit and human service organizations’ operating fleets. Together, we can help you deliver the best policies that cover these unique risks and fully support your clients – at a highly competitive rate. We’re licensed in 50 states, and we customize each policy to meet your client’s unique exposures.
Contact us to learn how Convelo Insurance Group can help you secure best-in-class coverage for your clients today.