Why Driver Safety Training is Essential for Reducing Liability and Boosting Revenue 

Beyond protection against accidents is protection against legal liability. Even if drivers do everything correctly, operating out on public roadways leaves them open to accidents outside of their control. Having a well-documented safety program can be the best defense against lawsuits and regulatory penalties, as it is proof that proactive steps were taken to ensure the safety of the driver and public. Without proper safety protocols, accidents can expose service providers to costly legal challenges.  

Lawyers often focus on driver safety training records after an accident. Service providers must be able to show they are actively promoting professional driving habits to reduce risks and following up with drivers for further development. With a detailed record of training that has been administered, liability in the event of an accident can be mitigated, potentially saving thousands in legal fees and avoiding regulatory blowback. 

When speaking at the Descartes Innovation Forum, VP of Safety Jerry Veres highlighted a case where a Descartes Driver Safety customer was involved in an accident and facing legal action. They were contacted by the opposing lawyer with a mandate to provide safety training records for the driver involved. Before the call was over, the customer was able to send detailed training records. Jerry remarked, “The lawyer was stunned at all the content that was there.” For this customer, being able to prove that Descartes Driver Safety was an integral part of their operations made the difference between facing a hefty legal claim and resolving it before escalation. 

While safety training programs prevent costs from accidents and mitigate legal risks, they also have a direct impact on driving revenue growth. At first, this may seem counteractive.  

Descartes VP of Safety, Jerry Veres explains:  

"Every board member will say, ‘let’s make safety a priority’, but then not put anything into it because they think it takes away from revenue. So how does safety increase revenue? Keeping trucks on the road keeps your customer service right.  

If your driver's truck is broken down, if they are getting pulled over for a moving violation, if they’re involved in an accident, they can’t get their job done, you can’t get product to your customers, and your competition will be happy to take that from you."

When drivers are in an accident or pulled over for unsafe driving, they are not making progress on their routes, not able to get products to their customers, and ultimately jeopardizing the standing of the business. If a company develops a reputation for missing their planned deliveries, this can create a gap for competition to move in and take market share.  

Conversely, drivers who are well-trained in professional driving practices are less likely to be involved in accidents or moving violations. They are more likely to complete their deliveries efficiently and meet customer expectations around scheduled dates, time windows, and package security. This allows route planners to create routes with more confidence and fosters a reputation of reliability, turning safety into a competitive advantage that drives revenue growth and business expansion. 

One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that safety training is a drain on resources; the cost of time spent on training, building out a program, and investing in supporting solutions. However, investments in building a strong safety culture can actually lead to long-term cost reductions.  

The most immediate and tangible benefit is the reduction of operational costs by cutting down on accidents. Not only do accidents take a vehicle out of commission and come with repair costs, but they can also impact service records and lead to increased insurance payments. By reducing accidents, companies can lower their insurance premiums, avoid fines, and minimize vehicle downtime. 

Investing in safety is not just about avoiding short-term losses. Service providers should look to foster a culture of safety that focuses on creating and building upon professional driving habits. While it is important to onboard new drivers with a strong safety foundation, continuous improvement and investment into training creates an environment where safety is top of mind and drivers feel supported. This can lead to reduced driver turnover, improved employee morale, and a more loyal and skilled workforce.  

A strong safety culture also helps providers stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. By ordering a product or utilizing a last mile provider to ship their goods, end customers are trusting that their delivery will arrive safely, reliably, and on time. That makes them more likely to work with businesses that have a proven track record of safety, reliability, and safety compliance. Companies that invest in a strong safety program will be better able to retain and expand their customer base. 

Ultimately, safety is about servicing customers’ needs most efficiently and effectively. Descartes Driver Safety is a strategic investment that helps delivery providers meet customer expectations through improved driver performance and overall business stability. A well-executed safety program minimizes legal risks, empowers productivity, and creates an ideal environment to grow your business. 

At Descartes, our end-to-end delivery management platform provides comprehensive solutions for routing, execution, enhanced safety, and customer engagement. From optimizing delivery routes and ensuring smooth execution to improving driver safety and enhancing customer communication, the all-in-one platform is designed to streamline operations across every stage of the delivery process.  Connect with one of our last-mile solution experts to learn how we can help maximize your fleet’s potential.