Local governments depend on vehicles every day — whether it’s patrol cars, fire apparatus, sanitation trucks, or recreation vehicles. With so many vehicles on the road, preventing auto collisions is not only about protecting employees and the public, but also about safeguarding taxpayer resources. A single crash can lead to costly repairs, employee injuries, service disruption and increased insurance premiums. Municipalities should implement a vehicle loss prevention program to minimize the chance of vehicles getting damaged and causing a financial loss.
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety outlines 10 steps organizations can take to reduce collisions. Local governments can adapt these steps across departments to strengthen safety:
1. Leader commitment – Leadership must support and promote fleet safety as a top priority.
2. Written policies and procedures – Clear rules around safe driving, seatbelt use, distracted driving and vehicle inspection requirements should be documented and shared.
3. Driver agreements – Employees should acknowledge their responsibility to operate municipal vehicles safely.
4. Motor vehicle record checks – Regular checks help identify high-risk drivers before an incident occurs.
5. Crash reporting and investigation – Every collision, no matter how minor, should be reported and reviewed to prevent recurrence.
6. Vehicle selection, maintenance and inspection – Choosing safe vehicles and ensuring they are regularly inspected and serviced reduces breakdowns and accidents.
7. Accountability system – Driver monitoring, coaching unsafe behaviors and establishing consistent consequences reinforce accountability.
8. Reward/incentive program – Recognizing safe driving behaviors encourages positive behaviors.
9. Driver training/communication – Ongoing education keeps employees aware of best practices and emerging risks.
10. Regulatory compliance – Ensuring operations align with federal, state and local requirements minimizes liability.
Implementing these steps creates a culture of responsibility that reaches beyond individual departments. Public works crews benefit from reduced downtime due to vehicle damage. Police and fire can respond more reliably to emergencies. And taxpayers can trust that their community is managed with safety and fiscal responsibility in mind.
Preventing collisions is not just about avoiding accidents — it’s about protecting employees, safeguarding the public and ensuring local governments can continue delivering essential services without costly disruptions. By following these 10 steps, municipalities can build a sustainable vehicle loss prevention program that saves lives and money.
For more information on creating a vehicle loss prevention program visit the Auto Loss Prevention webpage and login or contact Loss Control staff at losscontrol@masc.sc.