Corporate Social Responsibility

Safety Initiatives At Averitt

At Averitt Express, "Our Driving Concern is Safety!" Ensuring the safety of our customers, our associates and the driving public is of utmost importance

Recent Safety Performance Statistics

Collision Mitigation Systems: Zero Rear End Accidents in 2015 & 2016 In Tractors Equipped With Collision Warning
Blindspot Radar: 23 Percent Reduction In Changing Lane / Turning Accidents
Lane Detection System: 52 Percent Reduction In Leaving The Roadway / Fatigue-Related DOT Recordable Crashes
Preventable Accidents: In 2016, the number of recordable accidents was 0.70 accidents (both preventable and non-preventable combined) per million miles.
2017/2016 Comparison: In 2017 (Jan-Nov), preventable accidents declined 9 percent and work-related injuries dropped 21 percent compared to 2016.

The following sections provide more information about how we make safety our driving concern.

HOW DOES AVERITT MEASURE SAFE-DRIVING PERFORMANCE?

We track safe-driving performance by measuring both vehicle and driver performance through a series of indicators. We continually strive to have the safest trucks on the road, measuring total accidents per million miles driven. Though industry comparisons are not available, we measure ourselves against our own strong safety record, striving for improvement every year.

Averitt also employs a force of eight regional safety coordinators who measure and monitor the performance of our drivers, investigate accidents and claims, conduct paperwork and vehicle audits, administer breath alcohol tests, observe drivers and certify trainers. Additionally, we closely monitor driver hours of service records and encourage motorist call-ins to report driver performance.

To enhance our road safety program, Averitt utilizes a third-party driver observation program. The purpose of this program is to address inappropriate driving behavior as well as positively reinforce drivers for following proper procedures.

We also use technology to measure and provide feedback to drivers on critical safety events. This "Predictive Behavior" software identifies patterns in driver habits that can be addressed through timely communication with the driver.

WHAT TYPE OF SAFETY TRAINING DO AVERITT DRIVERS RECEIVE?

New Averitt drivers complete training focused on protective driving techniques, operational technology training, accident reporting, equipment and maintenance information, hours of service compliance and seat belt usage.

Additionally, new drivers attend our Finishing School during the last week of their training. This is an extensive backing and turning program that ensures they're well prepared for the road. This unique training allows drivers to learn as a team, develop trust and, even more important, learn self-confidence.

All drivers are also required to complete annual OSHA training programs, and we conduct monthly education campaigns to highlight important components of safe driving. To keep safe driving practices at the forefront of everything we do, we also provide periodic on-site classroom training programs and require drivers to take a variety of online safety courses.

WHAT SAFETY FEATURES DO AVERITT'S TRACTORS HAVE?

As part of our continuing emphasis on safety and technology, we're cycling in new tractors that feature dynamic technology that will ensure our driving associates stay safe on the roadways.

We utilize a variety of safety technologies within our tractors, including collision-avoidance systems, forward-facing event recorders, and anti-jackknife and rollover stability systems. In addition to other safety-related technologies, these upgrades have resulted in considerable improvements to the performance of our fleet. We are continually looking into new technologies that will help protect our drivers.

WHAT IS AVERITT'S PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM?

Our fleet has received multiple Tennessee Trucking Association awards for fleet safety and is regarded as one of the country's cleanest, safest fleets.

In many instances, our policies are more stringent than DOT policies, ensuring that every vehicle is in peak operating condition at all times. Before a tractor is received into our fleet, its engine is governed at 65 mph by the manufacturer. And before each driver begins a trip, he or she is expected to do a thorough, standardized check of each tractor.

Tractors are scheduled to receive preventive maintenance inspections every 40,000 miles or 150 days. Trailers are scheduled to receive preventive maintenance inspections every 300 days. These inspections involve checking vehicle brakes, tires, filters, fluids, etc.

HOW DOES AVERITT SCREEN ITS DRIVER CANDIDATES?

All applicants for driver positions undergo a series of screenings to ensure they are the best people for the job.

These screenings include a three-year review of the applicant's commercial and individual driving record, a criminal background check, a drug and alcohol test, and a three-year review of past drug and alcohol test results. All associates certified to operate a commercial vehicle may be drug tested after an accident, for reasonable suspicion, or as part of random, unannounced testing.

Additionally, our drivers are required to have physical examination by a doctor every one to two years.

DOES AVERITT HAVE ANY INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR DRIVER SAFETY?

In 2017, Averitt started an accident awareness/incentive program, called Partners In Prevention, that encourages operations leadership to stay active in preventing accidents and injuries.