Driving safety forward

By Colin Melvin, Commercial Director, Fraikin

In the commercial vehicle sector, safety is more than a box to tick – it is the foundation upon which all aspects of our industry must be built.

At Fraikin, our commitment to safety extends through every facet of our work. Whether as part of our contract hire and rental services or the comprehensive fleet management solutions we deliver, safety is a responsibility we take very seriously.

In this article, I want to outline how safety informs our decisions, shapes our services, and aligns us with the evolving needs of our clients and their customers.

Data-driven safety

Connected technology has transformed the way we approach safety in our sector. Rapidly evolving systems can deliver both ourselves and our clients detailed, real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behaviour, route optimisation, and much more. All these metrics can be combined to unlock safer and more efficient operations in an instant.

It is why we have worked hard as a business to develop and deploy our sweeping range of MYSMARTFLEET connected fleet technology packages. For our customers already making use of this technology, their transport managers can make informed decisions with real-time insights on fleet performance and driver safety. By monitoring driving patterns, they can identify potential risks through driver behaviours – such as repeated harsh braking or speeding – and then address these issues proactively, through the creation of bespoke driving tutoring courses.

For executives looking to cut costs, ensure compliance and optimise return on investment, they can use data to track trends and monitor advanced analytics through automated reporting aligned to the business’s key objectives. 

By empowering operators with data, we are also extending the lifespan of their vehicles. When drivers are consistently aware of their performance, they become more conscious of safety, helping to reduce accidents, lower insurance costs, and protect all road users.

Furthermore, telematics and connected technologies help to optimise route planning, reducing the time drivers spend on the road and lessening the risk of fatigue-related incidents, ensuring that every journey is efficient and secure.

Mobile maintenance: Preventive care for safer journeys

Regular maintenance is essential to a safe fleet, but we know that unexpected issues can still arise. That’s why Fraikin offers mobile maintenance services designed to keep our clients’ vehicles in peak condition, wherever they are. With mobile maintenance, we provide swift, on-site servicing to address minor issues before they become serious problems.

This proactive approach helps maximise uptime, enhances vehicle performance and ensures that every Fraikin-backed asset on the road meets our stringent safety standards. Through preventive care and a quick response to any maintenance needs, we mitigate the risks associated with mechanical failures, keeping drivers safe and on the road.

Our mobile teams are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and backed by a network of support from our maintenance centres, allowing us to respond effectively and efficiently to any issue that may arise.

Training drivers for success

Great drivers are at the core of any safe fleet. However, even the most experienced drivers need support to stay updated on the best safety practices, especially given the changing regulatory landscape and ever-evolving technology in today’s vehicles. That’s why Fraikin is proud to continue to deliver comprehensive driver training programmes.

As one of the first companies in the UK to commence Driver CPC training in September 2009, Fraikin has successfully trained thousands of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers across the country. With incoming reforms to Driver CPC courses set to reshape training requirements, Fraikin is ready to adapt and ensure drivers remain fully equipped to meet these new standards.

Our training isn’t simply about the skills required to drive an HGV; it’s about fostering a mindset where safety is always the top priority, ensuring that drivers are well-prepared to handle the challenges they may encounter on the road.

Complete service packages

We recognise that every business has unique needs, which is why Fraikin offers complete service packages that can be tailored to exceed any specific safety requirements. Covering the latest vehicle makes and models, we combine an introduction to connected technologies, driver training and our 24/7 maintenance services to provide a truly holistic offering.

By tailoring these aspects, we’re able to deliver a high-value service that ensures our clients – regardless of the sector they work in – have a fleet that operates at the highest safety standards.

One mile at a time

Safety is a shared responsibility and Fraikin is committed to leading the way by example. Our clients trust us to provide reliable vehicles, but also the systems, training and services needed to keep their drivers and other road users safe. We understand that true safety doesn’t happen in isolation – it requires constant collaboration and learning, with an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, we will always innovate and refine our safety-focused services, listening closely to feedback from our customers in order to keep pace with advances in technology. As we do, our focus will remain on building a safer future for the fleet industry, where drivers are empowered, vehicles are maintained to the highest standard and the public at large can rely on safer roads.

Together, with our clients, we’re driving safety forward, one mile at a time.