SAFE FLEET BLOG

June is National Safety Month. For those of us in the public transit industry, it’s a prime opportunity to reflect on our practices, embrace new safety protocols, and commit to creating a safer environment for drivers and passengers.

Emphasizing Driver Safety

Transit drivers are the backbone of the public transit system and reinforcing best practices will help keep them secure on the job.

• Regular Training: Whether it’s defensive driving techniques, emergency response, or the latest in vehicle technology, keeping skills sharp is crucial.
• Health and Wellbeing: Take care of the physical and mental health of your drivers and operators. Regular breaks, healthy eating, and stress management are good strategies to ensure everyone is fit to drive.
• Fatigue Management: Implement policies that prevent long hours behind the wheel without sufficient rest. Driver fatigue is a serious safety hazard that can be mitigated with proper scheduling and awareness.

Passenger Safety Initiatives

It’s also essential to continuously roll out new initiatives and reinforce existing ones to ensure passenger safety remains at the forefront of any agency’s operations. By focusing on clear communication, advanced surveillance, and emergency preparedness, we can create a more secure environment for everyone on board.

• Clear Communication: Use onboard communication systems to keep passengers informed about safety procedures. Our Public Display Systems enhance on-board safety by providing real-time information, displaying live camera views, and keeping passengers informed with commute updates.
• Surveillance and Security: Ensure all surveillance equipment is functioning properly. Security cameras help deter criminal activity and provide valuable data in case of an incident. Safe Fleet Transit Video Surveillance Systems provide irrefutable evidence to quickly resolve issues, reduce risk, and even lower operating costs. Furthermore, our high-definition cameras, make it nearly impossible to overlook any detail.
• Emergency Preparedness: Provide passengers with information on what to do in case of an emergency. Clear instructions can help keep everyone calm and safe if something unexpected happens.

Enhancing Vehicle Safety

Ensuring vehicle best performance through regular maintenance and the adoption of new technologies can significantly enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.

• Routine Inspections: Consider using tools like digital checklists to help you better conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections to catch any potential issues before they become problems. Brake checks, tire inspections, and ensuring lights and signals are working properly are essential.
• Advanced Safety Systems: Invest in technology such as collision avoidance systems, automated braking, and real-time monitoring to assist drivers and enhance overall safety. MirrorLESS Vision System are an excellent example, replacing traditional mirrors with cameras and LCD screens to eliminate blind spots, reduce glare, and provide superior visibility in all weather conditions.
• Cleanliness and Sanitation: Cleanliness is not only an aesthetic issue – it’s a safety issue. Consider using tools like electrostatic sprayers or UV-C light sanitizers to regularly clean and sanitize vehicles and better protect passengers and drivers from health risks.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the community and promoting a culture of safety beyond the transit system is essential to create a safer environment for everyone. This commitment aligns perfectly with the goals of National Safety Month: fostering safe practices in every aspect of our lives.

By actively involving the community and fostering partnerships, we can extend our safety initiatives and raise awareness about transit safety.

• Safety Campaigns: Launch safety awareness campaigns that reach out to the broader community. Use social media, local events, and partnerships with schools and organizations to spread safety messages.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Encourage passengers to provide feedback on safety concerns. Open communication channels help identify and address issues promptly.
• Safety Partnerships: Collaborate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services to enhance safety measures and ensure a coordinated response in case of emergencies.

Celebrating Success

Take the time to celebrate the safety milestones and achievements within your organization. Recognize drivers, maintenance staff, and other team members who go above and beyond to ensure safety.

• Safety Awards: Establish awards or recognition programs for those who consistently prioritize safety. Celebrating their efforts can motivate others to follow suit.
• Sharing Success Stories: Highlight stories of how safety protocols have positively impacted your organization. Sharing these stories can inspire and educate others within the industry.

—

National Safety Month is a crucial time for those of us in the public transit industry to double down on our commitment to safety. By focusing on driver safety, passenger initiatives, vehicle maintenance, and community engagement, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

This month let’s not merely observe, but absorb, understand, and instill practices that ensure our transit systems not only run like clockwork but are the epitome of safety. Here’s to paving the way for a secure, accident-free future for everyone!

Click here to learn more about safety technology for your fleet!