NAFA talks safety
The North American Fleet Association (NAFA) recently held a virtual session dedicated to safety.
The speakers for this webinar were Phil Moser, who manages the fleet for U.S.-based environmental services company Davey Resource Group, and Levi Clark, fleet manager at the Port of Seattle.
Both experts focused on the introduction of in-cab cameras. This initiative isn’t always welcomed by drivers, especially when the camera faces them and records their behaviour. “It’s important to explain that the goal is their safety,” Moser said. “When we install these systems, it’s to make sure they get home safe and healthy at the end of the day.”
Forward-facing cameras tend to raise fewer objections, the experts noted. In some cases, footage from these cameras has even helped clear drivers who were wrongly accused of reckless driving by other motorists.
Clark pointed out that cameras can also help correct unsafe habits and explain damage to vehicles. According to both speakers, what matters most is transparency and communication. Drivers need to understand how these systems fit into a broader safety and prevention program, and they need proper training. “We hold regular meetings with our drivers,” Levi said. “Sometimes we’ll show a funny photo of a badly secured load to lighten the mood, but it’s also a good way to get the message across. We also ask drivers to fill out an incident report even if the collision was only narrowly avoided.”
He mentioned one case where several drivers struggled to get through a poorly positioned gate. The problem was fixed before any damage occurred. “Drivers want something practical,” Clark said. “Big-picture philosophies are for management. Safety instructions need to be clear, and any rule violations should be addressed within 48 hours.”
Moser added that regular, informal meetings help build better communication within the team. “It’s not always about discipline,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just about reminding them of upcoming bad weather, hazardous road conditions, or the return of school buses on the road.”
