A crucial question that many proactive safety managers ask when looking for ways to mitigate risk across their fleets: What month has the most car accidents?
As the autumn leaves fall and the weather takes a turn, there’s an alarming statistic that looms over the month of October – it consistently ranks among the top three most dangerous months for motor vehicle fatalities.
The Scale of the Issue
Diving into the data provided by the National Safety Council, it’s evident that October is not to be taken lightly when it comes to road safety. In both 2021 and 2018, it stood out as the month with the highest number of fatalities throughout the year.
October poses unique challenges for drivers due to a confluence of factors. First, the month signifies a transition between seasons in many areas, introducing unpredictable weather conditions like rain, fog, frost or early snowfall – all of which contribute to hazardous driving situations. Additionally, certain regions experience heightened wildlife activity during this month, increasing the likelihood of collisions with animals on the road.
The conclusion of daylight saving time in October also results in reduced visibility during evening commutes, elevating the risk of crashes.
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The Hidden Risks for Company Drivers
In a nation with 134.56 million full-time employees, a significant portion of the workforce engages in driving as part of their job responsibilities. Whether it’s a delivery driver, a sales representative meeting clients or an employee attending conferences in different cities, the roads bear the weight of a multitude of journeys every day.
The additional danger here lies in the oversight of companies regarding the eligibility of their employees to drive for business purposes. Driving is not just a personal activity; it becomes a professional responsibility for many. If companies fail to regularly check the eligibility of all employees to drive on behalf of their business, they expose themselves to increased risk.
The risks associated with neglecting employee eligibility checks are manifold. First and foremost, there’s the human cost – fatalities and injuries that could have been prevented with a proactive approach to safety. Beyond that, there’s the financial toll on companies, as insurance premiums skyrocket when incidents occur. Not to mention the rise in costly litigation and nuclear verdicts.
It’s Time to Increase Your Visibility into Risk
The responsibility falls on employers to ensure that each employee who gets behind the wheel on behalf of the company is fit to do so. This includes not only checking driving records during the hiring process but also conducting ongoing reviews and monitoring of MVRs, as well as implementing proactive and remedial fleet driver training post-hire. Driving histories change, and someone with a clean record when hired may develop concerning patterns over time.
How often does your company check the eligibility of its employees to drive on behalf of your business? It’s a question that every organization must ask itself, especially when considering the ominous October trend. Ongoing checks and monitoring are not just a box to tick for compliance; they are a crucial step in keeping our roads safe and ensuring the well-being of employees.
To learn more about the three critical forms of continuous monitoring and the important role they play in your driver risk management strategy, download our free guide.
