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MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION EXPOSURES
According to the National Safety Council (NSC) in 2003, 770 workers were killed due to transportation related accidents. Transportation accidents were the most common cause of fatalities to governmental workers. Assaults and fall-downs were the next two most common causes of fatalities. Of the 2.4 million disabling injuries that occurred as a result of motor vehicle accidents in 2003 overall, the majority were a result of angle (such as intersection) and rear-end collisions. The cost of motor vehicles accidents in 2003 was over $240 billion.1
At NYMIR, motor vehicle losses (liability and physical damages) are the most common type of claim made against subscribers. This represents 28% of all claims, and 16% of incurred losses (paid and reserved indemnity and defense expenses) experienced by subscribers.
Automobile liability claims - losses when a third party sustains bodily injury or property damage - are typically a result of the following liability loss exposures:
- Statutory Liability - when a municipality is the owner of the vehicle.
- Vicarious Liability - for actions of a person operating the vehicle with permission.
- Common Law Liability - when a municipality is alleged to improperly hire, select or manage an independent
motor coach company or their drivers.
Some examples of automobile physical damage claims are accidents, vandalism and fires.
Model Fleet Safety Program
It is important to have a safety program to control accidents and motor vehicle-related claims.
- Are maintenance schedules up to date? Improper maintenance of a vehicle involved in an accident is a common allegation. Click here to access a sample vehicle maintenance log.
- Are pre-employment checks of driving records (CDL check, accidents records and past violations), reference checks and a road test done?
- Are vehicle condition inspections and reports conducted? Click here to access a sample condition report.
- If you are using contract carriers, do you collect and review insurance certificates? Do they list the municipality as an additional insured and provide the correct limits and
coverage?
- Does the contractor have a safety program and supervisor to manage their fleet?
- Is the municipality providing public bus transportation? Can routes be altered? If accidents are occurring on known dangerous roads or intersections, look for alternative routes?
- Some persons, perhaps due to age or physical condition, may need to be shifted, evaluated or reassigned.
- Is training encouraged? The NYMIR Risk Management Department can provide the training at a reduced rate for municipal drivers.
Accidents do happen and managing them is important. Exchanging information, identifying witnesses and cooperating with the police can be difficult under stressful conditions. A sample automobile accident guide can be viewed by clicking here.
Driver Safety
- Lap/shoulder safety belt use by all occupants in municipal vehicles must be mandatory - no exceptions. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that only 79% of passenger vehicles occupants used their safety belts in 2003, and safety belt use reduces the likelihood of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%.2 NYMIR subscribers should aim for 100% compliance.
- Do vehicles carry emergency equipment - such as portable fire extinguishers, flares, tools, trouble light, jumper cables, flashlight, emergency vests, and first-aid kits.
- Is special equipment for the winter months distributed? - such as chains, kitty litter or sand to use under tires stuck in snow, blankets, ice scrapers and a shovel.
- Is training provided on all new equipment?
1 National Safety Council. (2004) Injury Facts. 2004 Edition. Itasca, IL.
2 Ibid.
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