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Skills in driving are necessary for operators of bucket trucks. It is an unfortunate fact that most job descriptions for the operators of these trucks include the necessity to be a skilled driver, not all drivers posses this core competency. Utility companies need to look closely at the safety of their mobile crew since there are a high percentage of work-related deaths in this particular field. Companies need to focus on good driving behavior of their vehicle operators as safety during the operation of these vehicles is a serious matter and could make the difference between life and death. The Root Cause One key factor that every utility company must concentrate on is the driving behavior of their bucket truck handlers. According to numerous surveys, errors on the part of operators contribute as much as 95 percent to road accidents in the United States. The experts have interpreted this high percentage of vehicle crashes as contributing billions of dollars to the overall annual spending in the United States. When companies take steps to improve this particular issue, they can actually help reduce accidents, which could result in lower fuel costs, lower emissions and less unnecessary bucket truck wear and tear. Focusing on driving behavior is much more cost-effective than spending more money on new technology to produce advancements in better and safer equipment. There are indeed other ways of decreasing accidents on the road, including classroom training and practical instruction; yet these are only partial solutions that are not adequate enough in dealing with bucket truck accidents. The first action that must happen is dealing with the root cause of the problem. Improved Driving Behavior Benefits Utility companies focusing on the improvement of the driving behavior of their operators will not only help in the protection of their workers; they will also help in overall safety records. Following are some additional benefits that utility companies may gain from the better handling habits of their operators: Eco-Friendly - No one is exempt from dealing with the preservation of the earth and utility companies often deal with issues regarding natural resources. Sensitivity towards these issues can be demonstrated through the conservation of fuel thanks to the conscious efforts of the drivers of this vehicle. Ensuring that the equipment is well-maintained and properly functioning also means less of an impact of carbon on the environment. Competitive Edge – Improved operating capability on the behalf of bucket truck handlers can result in better managed assets for a business and greatly increase their margin of profit. This changed manner of driving conduct can also help companies remain competitive in the market because the additional costs related to poor driving habits have been eliminated. This allows them to outperform their competition since utility customers want well-performing providers for their electric service needs. Lower Repair and Maintenance Costs – Bucket truck drivers with safe driving behavior avoid actions that are too risky such as sudden acceleration, sharp cornering and hard braking. Eliminating these bad habits keeps the equipment from wearing out prematurely; maintenance and repair costs can be significantly lowered as a result of this action. Reduced Fuel Usage - Drivers who are safety advocates provide huge savings in fuel usage costs for their employers as well as lowering vehicle emissions by as much as 11 percent. Customer service seems to also improve with this significant change in driving perception. When companies make safe bucket truck driving a core competency, such a behavior adjustment that leads to the improved operating skills of every driver are easily recognizable. This drastic change in attitude can reduce accidents on the road as well as decrease maintenance costs of the vehicles with an added benefit of becoming more environmentally friendly. Now is the best time for utility companies to implement behavior changes on the part of their operators and make safe bucket truck driving a core competency! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. Click here to find out more about Bucket Trucks.
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