Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner and it’s time to prepare for the increased traffic, weather, and theft risks that your fleets may encounter. As a fleet manager, it’s crucial to ensure that your drivers and assets are safe during this peak holiday season. Try these tips and best practices for keeping fleets safe from some of GPS Trackit’s most successful clients:

 

1. Plan Ahead and Communicate:

   It’s essential to plan and communicate with your drivers before Memorial Day weekend. Discuss the routes, expected traffic patterns, and weather forecasts to help them prepare accordingly. Be sure they know who to contact in an emergency or unexpected event. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular check-ins with your drivers throughout the weekend to stay updated on their progress and ensure their safety. Make sure you use all the tools available on the GPS Trackit platform to give your drivers the heads up without having to look down at a smartphone. 

 

2. Ensure Proper Vehicle Maintenance:

   Before your drivers hit the road, make sure all vehicles are in good working condition. Check the brakes, engine, tires, and other essential components to prevent breakdowns or accidents. This is especially important over holiday periods when emergency maintenance and recovery are harder to schedule. 

 

3. Be Aware of Cargo Theft Risks:

   Holiday weekends can be a prime time for cargo theft, so it’s crucial to be vigilant and take measures to protect your fleets. Paying extra attention to the GPS tracking and geofencing tools on the GPS Trackit features can give you real-time alerts when an asset leaves its assigned area. But to avoid problems in the first place, encourage your drivers to park in well-lit areas and stay alert for any suspicious activity around their vehicles. 

 

4. Watch the Weather:

   Memorial Day weekend can bring unpredictable weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind, and even tornadoes. Monitor weather alerts and inform your drivers of any potential weather hazards they may encounter on their routes. Encourage them to adjust their driving accordingly and communicate with you in case of any weather-related safety concerns.

 

5. Promote Driver Safety Awareness:

   Finally, promote driver safety awareness among your drivers by emphasizing the importance of seatbelt use, observing speed limits, and defensive driving strategies. Remind them to take breaks and stay alert for other drivers who might be under the influence or distracted. Encourage your drivers to prioritize their own safety and the safety of others on the road. Not only does that help keep fleets safe, but it also saves you money. Aggressive driving can hurt fuel economy by up to 30 percent.  

 

Memorial Day weekend is a busy and potentially hazardous time for fleets on the road. As a fleet manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure your drivers and assets are safe throughout the holiday. By planning ahead, communicating effectively, and taking necessary precautions, you can minimize risks and protect your fleets from theft, accidents, and extreme weather conditions. Your GPS Trackit account manager can help you get the most out of your software platform—and if you aren’t a customer yet, talk to a GPS Trackit Fleet Advisor today for a free, personalized demo.