“Good leaders build products. Great leaders build culture.” – Adam Grant

Why is it important to weave safety into work culture? Because safety at work impacts every other factor that makes a company successful. A fleet manager’s role is plentiful, needing to focus on numerous factors such as vehicle performance, maintenance, employees, cost control and safety. And safety is a part of everything. A safe work environment allows employees to feel secure in their work, vehicles to perform optimally, work to be completed most efficiently and costs to be reduced. 

During National Road Safety Week, the spotlight isn’t just on drivers, it’s also on the leaders who influence how fleets operate day-to-day. Fleet managers play a critical role in creating a workplace culture where safety is a shared value, not just a policy. Here are five practical ways managers can lead by example and promote a culture of safety in the workplace.

1. Lead with Accountability and Visibility

A culture of safety begins at the top. When fleet managers consistently model and expect safe practices, like buckling up, inspecting vehicles, or discussing safety in team meetings, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Make safety part of everyday conversations, not just compliance checks. Emphasize everybody’s role in safety. Safety on the roads and in the workplace is achieved when everybody does their part. 

Tip: Begin every team meeting with a short safety update or story to normalize safety as part of your fleet’s identity.

2. Implement Ongoing Driver Safety Training

Safety training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Regular driver refreshers on real issues like defensive driving, fatigue management, and vehicle handling help keep safety top of mind. Use real-world examples and incident reports to make sessions more relatable.

Tip: Incorporate quarterly safety workshops and quick monthly check-ins to maintain consistency.

3. Use Telematics to Drive Behavior-Based Coaching

Fleet safety tech (like telematics, GPS tracking, and dash cams) gives managers data-driven insights into driver behaviour, such as speeding, hard braking, and excessive idling. But the goal isn’t to punish, it's to coach. Good driving behaviour may not only reduce accidents on the road, but it can also decrease wear and tear on vehicles, reducing maintenance costs and down-time for vehicles. 

Tip: Check us out at DiCAN or talk to one of our experts today to find out what safety tech will best fit your fleet. 

4. Reward Safe Driving Habits

Recognize and reward employees who consistently follow safety protocols, meet safe driving goals, or go above and beyond to complete additional driver safety training. Ideas for incentives are endless, like gift cards, lunch from a favourite place, “Safe Driver of the Month” awards, shoutouts in team meetings or certainly monetary rewards, and can encourage others to follow suit. 

Tip: Highlight safety achievements as proudly as you do productivity or performance wins.

5. Make Safety Feedback a Two-Way Street

Encourage drivers to speak up when they see unsafe conditions, vehicle issues, or process gaps. Accept ideas for safety improvement where possible. Safety committees provide employees with a respected voice and an environment where safety issues can be a discussion, instead of simply rules that must be followed. Create an environment where feedback is welcomed, not penalized.
Tip: Use anonymous suggestion boxes, or set aside 10 minutes in meetings for open safety discussions.

Conclusion:

Fleet safety can’t be merely a checkbox, it must become workplace culture. And culture is shaped by leadership. This Road Safety Week, fleet managers have the opportunity to not only enforce safe driving, but to inspire it. By leading with intention, listening actively, and rewarding the right behavior, safety becomes a value every team member owns.