Autumn weather is often beautiful. The leaves start changing colors, the air smells clean and fresh, and the sunsets are amazing. However, there can be a downside to the season. The weather is great sometimes, but it can also be rainy and dark, thanks to the time change. When you consider the potential autumn hazards for NEMT fleets (Non-Emergency Transport), like dealing with wet, slippery leaves, darkened roads, and the areas around schools, it’s time to put a plan into place.
Here’s what you need to know to prepare your NEMT fleet for potential fall driving hazards.
Wet Leaves Can Create Slippery Road Conditions
Those fallen leaves may look pretty when they’re dry, but they become a safety hazard when they’re wet. Wet leaves on a road can lead to reduced tire traction and cause your vehicle to hydroplane should you step on the gas too quickly. In addition, these leaves can hide potential problems, like accessible curbs, dangerous potholes, and important pavement markings.
Early Darkness Reduces Visibility
This time of year is when it tends to get darker in the mornings and evenings. And once daylight savings time kicks in, it gets even darker during common commute times. NEMT drivers can find themselves on busy roads in the dark. Even the best streetlights aren’t capable of properly illuminating all street signs, and the overall dusk makes it tricky for drivers to see everything from pedestrians and cyclists to road debris. An abundance of caution is needed for NEMT drivers who find themselves out there maneuvering in the dark.
School Zones Require Extra Attention
Also with fall, school comes. The increased number of vehicles on the road is due to school being back in session. Teachers, principals, and support personnel need to get to work, and students need to get to school, which leads to extra traffic in the form of school busses. Plus, crossing guards, kids walking to school, and parents supervising add to the chaos on the roads. By keeping an eye out for school children and school zones, your drivers will stay safer this autumn.
Use Fleet Safety Practices to Reduce Risk
With so many potential hazards on the road, you need to have a number of safety measures in place. A good rule of thumb is to use the beginning of autumn as a benchmark to go back over your safety practices and hold meetings and group presentations to ensure that everyone knows what to do.
Your autumn safety training can include things like:
- Defensive driving
- Vehicle inspections
- Inclement-weather procedures
- Accident reporting
Don’t forget that proper training and reinforcement can not only lead to increased safety for your clients, but it can also lower insurance premiums.
In addition to providing extra training, make sure to keep up with your fleet maintenance. Things like good tires, working lights, and functional windshield wipers can help prevent many autumn issues on the road.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about insurance coverage for your NEMT business, drivers, and vehicles? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your NEMT business needs.