The most effective single measure that could reduce accidents within the highways sector is to improve vehicle checks.
This was one of the key findings of the ‘Driving Change’ report which examines the impact of digital technology and tools on the safety and performance standards of UK highways businesses.
The independent study, commissioned by MyMobileWorkers, found that 75 percent of the highways company managers who were surveyed saw improving vehicle checks as the most important measure to reduce accidents.
Top measures to prevent highways sector accidents
- 77% Improved vehicle checks
- 67% Better safety training
- 64% Improved road quality
- 51% Clearer road layouts
While the highways sector has been relatively slow to adopt digital management tools, the research found that the benefits for those companies who have made the switch are now starting to be shown.
Two thirds (66 Percent) of UK highways businesses who are now using digital management methods reported having no accidents or a reduced rate within the past 12 months.
For companies who are still use a more traditional paper-based management approach, only 45 percent reported having a reduced number of accidents during the previous 12 months.
You can download the full ‘Driving Change’ report here with full analysis of the findings.
Benefits of digital approach
Improving the quality and consistency of driver vehicle checks is one area where digital solutions are already transforming the way highways companies are able to manage and monitor safety standards.
The use of mobile workforce management systems such as MyMobileWorkers use cloud-based monitoring to allow vehicle checks to be integrated into everyday employee workflow.
Real-time monitoring and notifications delivered via a smartphone app mean that workers can be required to carry out a vehicle inspection before they receive any further job instructions.
They can also be required to provide photo evidence to show the condition of a vehicle or to record any dashboard warning lights or in-car status information.
It’s an approach that can quickly establish pre-journey vehicle checks as a routine part of a driver’s working protocol - similar to the way airline pilots carry out preflight checks.
With traditional management methods, it’s incredibly difficult for highways managers to ensure that these kind of driver checks are being carried out properly.
It’s commonplace for form filling tasks to be done retrospectively, with drivers completing any required paperwork at the end of the working day.
Real-time safety monitoring and checks
A digital approach means that managers are able to communicate with their operatives easily and centrally monitor vehicle checks across any scale of mobile workforce, with access to real-time status updates and alerts.
The MyMobileWorkers system automatically records and stores information on each safety check that’s carried out, with all of this data being collated into the final job report.
It’s a level of information that helps to demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both vehicles and their users.
The accurate data that’s generated can also help to improve general maintenance with more extensive checks based on mileage and the exact amount of time each vehicle is used.
Alongside improved safety, more effective vehicle checks will help to boost the performance and efficiency of a vehicle fleet - reducing maintenance costs and minimising organisational disruption.
Thought about getting a vehicle management system? Get started today.
