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SEARCHVocational fleets of both vehicle classes appear to value the same training and tech strategies.
For safety training techniques, the top three answers for both light- and medium-duty fleets were hands on/behind the wheel, in-person classroom, independent video/online training.
Photo: Getty Images
A new annual fleet safety survey conducted by Work Truck and sister media brand Heavy Duty Trucking has revealed when it comes to safety, light- and medium-duty fleets appear to take similar approaches. We’ve collected some of the top findings and broken them down for easier reading here.
Of the 157 total respondents, 39% stated they had Class 1 or 2 trucks in their fleet, while 35% claimed to own Class 3/4/5 trucks. Another 32% said they run Class 6 trucks.
The top three fleet types in the light-vehicle category were construction/mining, government fleet, and for-hire trucking fleets. For medium-duty, the top two were the same, with wholesale coming in third.
Top respondents for light-duty fleets classified themselves as corporate/executive management, including owner/operator; fleet manager/administrator; or operations management. For medium-duty, the top two were the same, with maintenance/shop management placing third.
Above all, the results indicate there isn’t much difference between light- and medium-duty fleets in terms of safety measures.
How have vehicle and liability insurance costs changed in the past year? The top answer for both light- and medium-duty was “increased 1-10%.” This was followed by “largely unchanged” and “don’t know/not sure.”
Increased 1-10% | Largely Unchanged | Don’t Know/Not Sure | |
Light | 28% | 27% | 20% |
Medium | 29% | 21% | 20% |
The survey found drivers are given safety-related training as a part of onboarding, when new equipment or technology is introduced, or after there has been an accident or incident.
Photo: Getty Images
In a long list of potential safety strategies, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were well-maintained vehicles, written safety policies and procedures, and driver training.
Well-Maintained Vehicles | Written Safety Policies | Driver Training | |
Light | 76% | 72% | 62% |
Medium | 72% | 71% | 65% |
The top three answers in regard to safety technologies used for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were backup cameras, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control was tied for the top third answer for medium-duty fleets.
Backup Cameras | Forward Collision Warning | Lane Departure Warning | |
Light | 54% | 40% | 39% |
Medium | 52% | 43% | 39% (tied with adaptive |
When it came to safety technologies fleets plan to implement in the next year, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were don’t know/not sure, none of the above, backup cameras
Don't Know/Not Sure | None Of the Above | Backup Cameras | |
Light | 28% | 20% | 17% |
Medium | 26% | 19% | 17% |
For safety training techniques, the top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were hands on/behind the wheel, in-person classroom, independent video/online training.
Hands On/Behind the Wheel | In-Person Classroom | Independent Video/ | |
Light | 72% | 68% | 39% |
Medium | 74% | 71% | 41% |
When are drivers given safety-related training? The top three answers for both light-duty and medium-duty fleets were when first bringing them into the company (onboarding), when new equipment or technology is introduced, or after there has been an accident or incident.
Onboarding | New Equipment/ | After Accident | |
Light | 84% | 62% | 49% |
Medium | 85% | 61% | 54% |
How do your accident numbers compare to the survey findings?
Photo: Getty Images
Naturally, when asked about accidents, medium-duty fleets reported a slightly higher percentage of at-fault crashes during calendar year 2020.
0-24% | Does Not Apply | Don’t Know/25-49% | |
Light | 31% | 12% | 10% |
1-24% | 0% | Don't Know/Not Sure | |
Medium | 36% | 23% | 15% |
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