Vehicle safety equipment: Everything you need to know

The safety of staff driving your fleet vehicles should be top of your list of priorities when conducting your regular health and safety checks. You should feel confident that staff are protected while out on the road and everything is in place to prevent any issues or accidents while in your vehicles. 

This is where vehicle safety equipment comes in and is definitely something you should consider having installed in your fleet cars, or to check for when you’re leasing vehicles from a service such as LeaseVan. Here are the ones you should know about: 

Parking sensors 

Has your business experienced an accident involving one of your drivers parking a vehicle? Then parking sensors might be a good piece of safety equipment to install in your fleet.

It not only gives you peace of mind that your vehicle is less likely to be damaged, it also ensures the safety of those behind the wheel. 

Reversing cameras 

If you’re dealing with bigger vehicles – such as lorries or specialist vehicles such as diggers – then reversing cameras ensure the safety of not only the driver but the people working around the vehicle – whether it is on a yard, in a warehouse or just a car park.

Reversing cameras allow your driver a clear view behind them, which is especially helpful if they are moving a bulky vehicle or one where rear view mirrors aren’t available. It can cut down the amount of accidents in the workplace and on the road and work when parking sensors fail to pick something up. 

360° camera 

For vehicles such as lorries a 360° view is essential for the driver, who needs to see where other road users and people are around them when navigating the roads or the business premises.

360° cameras are a relatively new feature in such vehicles but are ideal for driving through London, where drivers need to be aware of cyclists alongside them at all times. 

Dashboard camera 

With bigger vehicles, insurance scams sometimes take place because those causing the accidents know that businesses will pay out large amounts of money to avoid legal issues. This is where a dashboard camera can protect the integrity of your driver and your business, as well as ensuring you do not fall victim to such a scam.

Dashboard cameras can also help when there is a genuine accident to determine who is at fault and even discover who out of your drivers is not adhering to the health and safety instructions set by you and the rules of the road. 

ABS 

Anti-lock braking systems have saved lived since their introduction, they prevent wheels from locking up and therefore vehicles from skidding when on a slippery surface. Most new vehicles come with this feature fitted as standard, but it’s still worth double checking before purchasing new vehicles and sending drivers out. 

When it comes to safety features on your fleet vehicles it’s important you consider every piece of vehicle safety equipment available. Measure it up against what your drivers and business needs and install whatever you deem necessary to protect your employees and your business from injury, fraud and financial issues.