Low-clearance accidents are a serious concern for fleet managers, as they can lead to costly repairs, operational downtime, and safety hazards for drivers. By adopting certain best practices, fleet managers can proactively avoid these accidents and enhance overall fleet safety. Here’s how:
1. Implement GPS-Based Low-Clearance Alert Systems
One of the most effective ways to prevent low-clearance accidents is by using real-time GPS-based alert systems, like the GiraffeG4 Sentinel App. This technology provides customizable alerts that notify drivers well in advance of upcoming low-clearance hazards, such as bridges and tunnels. These real-time notifications give drivers enough time to slow down or reroute, avoiding collisions that can cause extensive vehicle damage and delays.
By integrating GPS alert systems into your fleet’s operations, you can provide drivers with an extra layer of protection, especially when traveling in unfamiliar or high-risk areas. GiraffeG4 works seamlessly with commercial GPS systems and helps drivers stay focused on their routes without unnecessary distractions.
2. Know the Height of Every Truck in Your Fleet
Understanding the height of each vehicle is crucial for preventing low-clearance accidents. Fleet managers should maintain an accurate record of each truck’s height, including any additional equipment mounted on the roof, such as refrigeration units or antennas. This information should be easily accessible to both drivers and dispatch teams.
By knowing each truck’s height, you can set up customized height settings in apps like GiraffeG4, ensuring that only relevant alerts are sent to the driver. This minimizes distractions and ensures that drivers are prepared to handle real hazards along their routes.
3. Train Drivers to Recognize Low-Clearance Hazards
Driver training is an essential component of fleet safety. Fleet managers should invest in ongoing training programs that teach drivers how to recognize low-clearance hazards, understand height restriction signage, and take corrective action when needed.
Drivers should be trained to always scan for clearance signs when approaching bridges, tunnels, or overpasses, especially in urban areas with older infrastructure. Having a protocol in place for how to handle potential low-clearance situations—whether by slowing down or rerouting—can save your fleet from preventable accidents.
4. Plan Routes Carefully
Route planning is a critical step in preventing low-clearance collisions. Fleet managers should use fleet-specific navigation tools that account for vehicle height when planning routes. These tools allow dispatch teams to select routes that are optimized for the height of the trucks, avoiding roads with height restrictions.
In addition, fleet managers should encourage drivers to pre-plan their trips, especially when traveling to unfamiliar areas. By reviewing routes in advance and noting any potential low-clearance obstacles, drivers can avoid surprises and maintain safe travel throughout the journey.
5. Monitor Routes in Real-Time
Fleet managers should leverage real-time monitoring systems to track the routes of their trucks as they move throughout the day. These systems allow managers to keep an eye on whether drivers are sticking to their planned routes or deviating unexpectedly. If a driver moves off course and heads toward an area with low-clearance risks, dispatch teams can intervene and suggest safer alternate routes.
Using real-time monitoring tools ensures that drivers are always aware of low-clearance hazards, even when taking unplanned detours or responding to unexpected changes on the road.
6. Regularly Maintain and Inspect Fleet Vehicles
Proper vehicle maintenance can help prevent low-clearance accidents. Fleet managers should ensure that their trucks are regularly inspected, paying special attention to rooftop equipment that may add to the vehicle’s height. Loose or poorly secured equipment can increase the risk of collision in low-clearance situations.
By conducting routine maintenance checks, you can ensure that your fleet is always operating safely and that vehicles are properly equipped to handle height restrictions.
Avoid The Risk
Low-clearance accidents are a significant risk for fleet operators, but they can be mitigated with the right precautions. By implementing GPS-based alert systems, maintaining up-to-date vehicle height information, training drivers to recognize hazards, and carefully planning routes, fleet managers can enhance safety and reduce the risk of costly collisions.
With the GiraffeG4 Sentinel App, fleet managers can take a proactive approach to fleet safety by providing drivers with real-time alerts for low-clearance hazards. Download GiraffeG4 today to protect your fleet and ensure safe, efficient operations across all routes.