Do you know your stopping distances?

We all recognise that excessive speeding will increase stopping distances, but it is additionally influenced by other factors such as the driver’s reaction time, road conditions, and the efficiency of the vehicles braking system or ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

Stopping distance is measured by the distance travelled since the driver notices a potential hazard and puts their foot on the brake as well as taking into account the reaction time leading up to the brake being applied. These two phases are known as ‘thinking distance’ and ‘braking distance.’

The table below illustrates how these two compound exponentially over increasing speeds based on an average person with a 1.5 second reaction time, is fully alert at the time with no impairments or distractions and that the vehicle travelling is in safe, working order.

A wet road could more than double these distances and an icy road by tenfold.

As a fleet manager, while you may not be able to control all of these factors, you can certainly influence or diminish them through robust fleet policies, driver training and a culture that puts safety and wellbeing before KPIs and SLAs.

Tiredness/ fatigue: Encourage drivers to take regular breaks during and between shifts. Ensure they eat and drink regularly to stay alert and use telematics where possible to monitor that breaks are being taken.

Medications: Are your drivers fit for work? Implement simple ‘check-ins’ and thorough return-to-work processes to monitor driver wellbeing and ensure no one who may become drowsy is behind the wheel.

Drugs/ alcohol: It goes without saying that drivers should never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Distractions: Most newer vehicles have integrated hands-free equipment for mobile devices. Encourage drivers to make calls, set up their journey, and eat before setting off to keep their eyes on the road at all times.

Eyesight: Have your drivers had their sight checked recently? The NHS recommends an eye test every two years to ensure their vision is up to standard. Do you have checks in place to monitor this and enforce corrective eyewear where needed.

Speed: Many newer vehicles have speed limiters that can be activated to help manage speed. Allow extra time for journeys and check routes ahead of time to avoid the temptation to speed. Do you have punitive policies in place for drivers not meeting delivery times? You could be inadvertently encouraging bad driving habits such as speeding.