Video via nukem384 on YouTube. 

The annual accident rate for commercial fleets is around 20%, and even higher for some specific industries. Moreover, the average cost of a loss related to fleet vehicle crashes is approximately $70,000.

With fleet drivers logging upwards of 20,000 miles or more each year, it is prudent for fleet owners to make sure avoiding accidents is a top priority. One way to do so is to remind your drivers to practice defensive driving skills. With the right techniques top of mind, your drivers will avoid collisions and stay safer on the road.

Defensive Driving Tips

Avoid splitting cars on the highway—If two cars are traveling at the same pace but there is an open lane between them, don't drive in between them. If one of those drivers decides to merge into your lane and doesn’t see you, you have no way out and will wind up in a collision.  Rather, wait for one of the cars to pass before you move into the open lane.

Be smart and swift when passing “big rigs”—Be aware that trucks may not see you. Move over to the side of your lane as much as possible to give yourself some extra room. Then speed up and pass the truck as soon as you can.

Don't pace other vehicles—If you are pacing another vehicle, you might be in their blind spot and they could suddenly change lanes and hit you. Moreover, many drivers fail to look or signal when they change lanes. If you want to avoid an accident, don't pace other vehicles, but instead leave plenty of space.

Stay away from swerving vehicles—If a vehicle is swaying back and forth in its lane, stay away. The driver may be texting or worse, driving impaired.  To avoid a crash, either keep a safe following distance behind the vehicle or get over two lanes and then pass the vehicle.

Steer clear of lines of vehicles –When you spot a long line of cars traveling slowly in one lane, stay away. The reason is that drivers get frustrated and tend to pull out of the lane. Unexpected moves like that can lead to an accident if you’re driving close by. The best strategy is to move a few lanes away from the line of cars.