INCIDENTS
An incident is where a vehicle which is owned or supplied by the company, or where driving is occurring on behalf of the company, is involved (whether in motion, temporarily stopped, parked or being loaded or unloaded) which results in personal injury and/or property damage, regardless of who was hurt, what property was damaged or who was responsible.
Drivers must call the company’s’ Fleet Administration as soon as possible after the occurrence of any incident resulting in bodily injury or death. An incident report form should be forwarded to the company within eight (8) hours of such an occurrence and within twenty four (24) hours of occurrence of any other incident.
Employees must forward to the company within twenty-four (24) hours any summons and/or litigation documents received.
A fleet safety committee will review all company vehicle incidents. Its task is to determine if the incident was preventable and appropriate corrective action taken from a safety standpoint.
The system applies to all employees whose regular or principal duties involve driving a company owned vehicle or who lease, rent, or use their own vehicles on company business regardless of how infrequent that use might be; no one is exempt.
Should an incident be considered preventable then the drivers MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) will be revised to include the finding of the fleet safety committee and the points awarded in line with the severity of the incident.
Where required by the company, a Remedial Training Program will be undertaken by the driver.
What to do in the Event of an Incident
In the event of an incident the first action is to ensure that the area/environment is safe. Check to see whether any vehicle involved is carrying hazardous materials.
You should, without putting yourself in danger, report the size and markings on the vehicle, specifically the colour of the placards and the identification number, if possible. Ensure there is sufficient distance between yourself and any spilt HM before using a mobile phone.
If you or any other party are injured then you must do what is possible to assist. The best way to do this is to notify an ambulance, police, fire department and if necessary local/State emergency response organisations.
You must do your best to make sure the scene is safe and protect any casualties from further injury by:
- Not moving anyone who is injured unless absolutely necessary – wait for professional help;
- Staying at the scene and giving all help possible;
- Using people or vehicle hazard lights to warn other drivers;
- Turning off all ignition switches;
- Lighting up the scene with headlights on low beam;
- Not smoking (in the case of an undetectable petrol spill);
- Only leave the scene if it is dangerous to stay;
- Do not admit liability – even a simple “I am sorry” can be used as an admission of liability.
If no one is injured then exchange the following details (preferably from their licence) with all drivers concerned in the incident:
- Driver’s full name;
- Driver’s address;
- Driver’s licence and expiry date;
- Name and address of the owner of the vehicle if not owned by the driver;
- Full description of the vehicle including the year, make, model, colour and registration number;
- Obtain the name and address of any witnesses.
Report the incident to the Police where:
- Personal injuries are involved;
- Property has been damage;
- In your estimate the repair costs are likely to exceed $2,500.
Report the incident immediately by phone to your direct Supervisor and/or the company.
Where the vehicle cannot be driven from the scene of the incident please arrange for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest convenient location.