The Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association (AFLA) announced the creation of a Safety Sounding Board, which Corey Woinarowicz will chair, to ensure safety is a continued priority throughout all AFLA programs and initiatives.

This Sounding Board will provide safety updates, review offerings, and information to enhance and further AFLA's education and programs surrounding safety initiatives that impact members and the larger fleet industry.

As safety is a top concern for fleet, ensuring the safety of drivers is a key goal in the industry.

With the importance of safety being at the forefront of numerous AFLA initiatives, "the [AFLA] Board felt strongly that we should put together a sounding board focused solely on safety that can work together with our other planning task forces and initiative drivers to ensure top-level safety information, education, and updates are provided to our membership in the most impactful ways possible," Elizabeth Schlicht, executive director of AFLA, said.

Woinarowicz highlighted this in a previous conversation with Schlicht — that the goal of the Safety Sounding Board is to generate outcomes and changes that build a safer driving culture.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Road Safety

One of the reasons the AFLA board organized this group as a Sounding Board is the ability to inform, support, and influence the full array of initiatives and programs AFLA provides.

"Instead of focusing on one or two programs, this allows safety to permeate throughout AFLA year-round and provide regular updates, benefits, information, and impact for our members," Schlicht said.

AFLA's goal is to support a cultural movement that generates safer driving habits for everyone, such as fewer distractions while driving, so everyone makes it home each night. Schlicht noted that this change isn't achievable by one initiative, advancement, or adjustment — but through consistent attention, action, and support.

Being a sounding board would allow the group to have a multi-faceted approach that touches on several needs throughout the year and in the future.

"With the board just established, we're exploring the varied goals, opportunities, and needs present in order to identify the breadth and depth of immediate action," Schlicht said.

Contribute to Safety Initiatives Through Volunteering

"Volunteering on any task force is an amazing way to build your professional network and learn from industry colleagues you may not otherwise interact with on a regular basis," Schlicht said.

This new Safety Sounding Board is no different. However, it carries the benefit of drawing those who are similarly passionate about safety.

"This shared passion – and opportunity to drive real results, that in many cases are life-changing for drivers, can be very personally fulfilling," Schlicht said.

AFLA is seeking members interested in joining the newly created Safety Sounding Board. To volunteer, please submit your interest here.