Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Spotless/Downer Group wins AfMA’s Fleet Safety Award

The result of fleet standardization, use of telematics, and driver education, the Spotless/Downer Group took home AfMA’s 2021 Fleet Safety Award in May.

June 4, 2021
Spotless/Downer Group wins AfMA’s Fleet Safety Award

Beyond the improvement in overall driver behavior and safety, their work has also resulted in financial savings for the organization.

The team at Spotless/Downer Group has seen a decrease of about 7% in fuel cost and about 14% in tire life due to its standardization efforts.

Photo: AfMA

2 min to read


The Spotless/Downer Group was awarded the 2021 Fleet Safety Award at AfMA’s Annual Networking Dinner & Fleet Awards Ceremony in May, according to an AfMA news release. 

The award comes as the Spotless/Downer Group team has standardized their fleet and implemented the use of telematics for improved driver behavior.

Ad Loading...

“Our most successful outcome has been standardisation of the fleet and all the safety advantages that go with that,” Spotless’ Fleet Coordinator Matthew Ogilvie said. “We’ve been able to grab real data that has significantly changed our fleet going forward and we’ve been able to introduce a zero-harm culture that has been implemented from our executive team down.”

Beyond the improvement in overall driver behavior and safety, their work has also resulted in financial savings for the organization.

Spotless/Downer Group has reduced its fuel spend by 7% across its fleet and improved tire life by around 14%, with about 600-700 vehicles in their fleet. Matthew also said that they've instituted a good driver program and driver education initiatives. 

Matthew urged other organizations that are thinking about standardizing their vehicles to make the effort. “It does come at a cost and you will need support from your executive team – however the rewards are great,” Matthew said. “You end up with some cost savings along the way and a much safer fleet so that everybody gets home at the end of the day.”

More Safety

Chris Brown sits across from safety experft at Lifesaver mobile in an interview about distracted driving and phone use tech.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 1, 2026

Reducing Risk by Eliminating Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Distracted driving remains one of the most persistent risks in fleet operations. New approaches focus on removing mobile device use entirely while adding real-time safety support.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 15, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 2

As distraction risks evolve, fleets are turning to smarter, more connected technologies to better understand what’s happening behind the wheel. Part 2 explores how these tools are helping identify risky behaviors and improve visibility across operations.

Read More →
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 11, 2026

 Data Rights, Risks, and Responsibilities After a Crash

What fleets capture to improve safety can also expose them in litigation, forcing leaders to rethink how data is managed, stored, and shared.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver holding a phone while steering, illustrating distracted driving and the importance of mental awareness and attention on the road for fleet safety.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 10, 2026

From Distraction to Detection: Strengthening Awareness in Fleet Drivers

Distracted driving is often measured by what we can see—phones in hand, eyes off the road. But what about the distractions we can’t? A recent incident raises a bigger question about awareness, attention, and why subtle risks so often go unnoticed.

Read More →
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

Lytx 2026 Road Safety Report

While serious crashes are declining, a rise in minor incidents and ongoing risk hotspots underscore the need for continued fleet safety investment.

Read More →
Driver’s hands on steering wheel in a sunlit vehicle, representing real-world driver behavior and the shift from data monitoring to hands-on training in fleet safety programs.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyApril 7, 2026

Behind-the-Wheel vs. Classroom Training: What Actually Changes Driver Behavior?

Fleets have more driver data than ever, so why isn't behavior changing? Training requires more than reports and coaching — it requires real-world practice.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person in a car on their phone behind the steering wheel.
Safetyby Jeanny RoaApril 1, 2026

Distracted Driving in the Age of Smart Tech – Part 1

A two-part conversation with Stefan Heck on how AI is transforming the fight against distracted driving. As fleets adopt smarter tools, the focus shifts from reacting to preventing risk. In Part 1, we look at where AI is making an impact for fleets today.

Read More →
Pedestrians crossing a busy street, highlighting the importance of driver awareness and caution to prevent pedestrian accidents.
Safetyby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Pedestrian Safety Starts With the Driver

More people on foot means more risk for drivers. These pedestrian safety tips can help prevent serious injuries and keep everyone safer on the road.

Read More →
SponsoredMarch 30, 2026

Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus

Safer crews. Fewer incidents. Better uptime. Learn how driver-assist technology is changing the way vocational fleets operate.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby StaffMarch 26, 2026

Pedestrian Deaths Drop in First Half of 2025, Marking Largest Decline in Years

An 11% drop in pedestrian fatalities in early 2025 signals progress in U.S. road safety, but elevated death rates and ongoing risks underscore the need for continued action from fleets and policymakers.

Read More →