As I have been visiting utilities in this program over the past few months, I have made a point of recapping some major fleet losses we have seen in recent years. Over these past few years, large losses in our utility fleets have been increasing, in collision and overturn claims as well as liability losses.

Of all our regular safety topics, safe driving may be the one that is most often taken for granted. But, when you stop to think about it, vehicles are among the most dangerous tools utilities provide to their workers.

Fleet guidelines and safe driving have been discussed in past issues of this newsletter many times. However, a couple of recent comments during loss prevention consultation visits got me thinking again about fleet use guidelines and how they can help to avoid unnecessary losses for utilities.