Safety isn’t supposed to be a greatest hits album, but somehow, a few bad habits keep playing on repeat.

This time, I'm calling out five of the most common (and frustratingly frequent) safety slip-ups that still haunt light- and medium-duty fleets. You’ve probably seen these before… maybe even this week. But no shame here! Just some fun, practical ways to finally break the cycle.

1. Skipping the Pre-Trip Inspection

Yep, we’re starting with the classic. Pre-trip inspections are required for a reason, but they still get skipped. A lot.

We know the excuses. You're late, it's raining, you've driven the same truck all month. But skipping your pre-trip is like showing up to a first date without Googling them first. Risky.

Try this instead: Gamify it. Challenge your team to spot the weirdest maintenance issue of the month or crown the fastest inspector who doesn’t miss a single step. Give shoutouts in safety meetings or even just drop a virtual high-five in the group chat. A little peer recognition (or a coffee gift card) goes a long way.

2. Lifting Like It’s 1999

Some habits die hard (like lifting a battery with no technique and pretending our backs are still 22).

Improper lifting is still one of the most common causes of injury on the job. And it’s so preventable.

Try this instead: Host a 5-minute “Lift-Off.” Have drivers demo good and bad lifting techniques (bonus points for over-the-top dramatic reenactments of what not to do). Throw in a pro tip from a local fitness coach or chiropractor. Your team will learn, laugh, and maybe avoid that next trip to the urgent care.

3. Treating PPE Like the Enemy

Personal protective equipment (PPE) shouldn’t feel like punishment, but it often gets treated like a buzzkill.

Gloves, goggles, vests; they’re too often skipped because “it’s just for a second.”

Try this instead: Make it personal and fun. Offer options: different fits, brands, and even colors. Let employees decorate hard hats (within reason). Host a “PPE Look of the Month” contest. The more buy-in they have, the less nagging you’ll have to do.

4. Not Reporting the “Little Stuff”

It’s easy to ignore a close call or brush-off a slip. But small problems turn into big ones when no one says anything.

And that “almost” accident? It’s a goldmine of learning... if you capture it.

Try this instead: Create a zero-blame, no-drama reporting culture. Use easy mobile forms or anonymous dropboxes. Give kudos for near-miss reports; they’re signs that someone’s paying attention. Add a fun twist like a “Safety Snoop” badge or monthly raffle for most vigilant teammate. Turn awareness into a win.

5. Relying Too Much on Technology

Back-up cameras. Lane warnings. Beeps, sensors, alerts. You name it, trucks have it. But tech doesn’t replace a human who’s actually paying attention.

Trusting automation too much can lead to lazy habits… or worse.

Try this instead: Reframe your safety tech as a sidekick, not the superhero. Train drivers how (and when) to use systems, and just as importantly, when not to. Regular refreshers and real-world failure examples help underline that tech assists, not replaces.

Driving Thoughts

Nobody’s perfect but safety missteps don’t have to be rinse and repeat.

With the right mix of tools, creativity, and culture, you can help your team ditch those old habits and build smarter, safer ones. Let them lead the way by making safety personal, positive, and maybe even fun.

Got a wild safety fail story? Drop it in the comments (anonymously or proudly, I won’t judge… much). And when you’re ready, check out the video version of this story in our Safety Matters in Motion series and other tips and insights to keep you, your fleet drivers, and the public safer.

Until next time, keep it safe, keep it smart, and please, for the love of your spine, don’t lift with your back! 

Have anything to add? Drop a comment below and start the conversation!

Lauren Fletcher 
Lauren.Fletcher@bobit.com