Easton (1997) argued that every injured worker in an organization involves financial (between four and ten times the obvious) and productivity costs that could have been prevented." (Murray, et al., 2003) II. Driver Selection Steps

The basic attributes required to becoming a truck driver are (1) Physical; (2) Mental; and (3) Communication. First one must be physically fit to become a truck driver. Secondly one must have the mental capacity and have the right attitude in accepting the rights of others to use the road, displaying courteousness to other drivers, be able to remain clam in an emergency or working under pressure, have the ability and desire to learn and to apply that learning in the work environment, be able to sustain performance under strenuous working conditions and situations, and accept the disciplines of working within the framework of abiding by the law and meeting rules and policies of the company that they are employed with. Lastly, it is very critical that the driver has the ability to communicate with other in the industry in various forms whether verbal, written, or through other media. (Baas, 2003) The following is a list of other requirements for screening candidates for possible hiring:

Driver's Employment Application - this will include information concerning the individual's past experience, education and history as a driver.

Medical Certification - Checked is general appearance and development. Head and eyes, ears, throat, thorax heart, lungs, gastrointestinal system, abdomen, tenderness, genitor-urinary, neurological, extremities, spine, recto genital studies, and any other laboratory or special findings.

Background check - This will be a check performed in relation to any possible criminal history of the applicant.

Driver's License Check

Road Test - Inspected on the road test will be the coupling and uncoupling of combination units, placing the commercial motor vehicle in operation, use of the commercial motor vehicle's controls and emergency equipment, turning the vehicle, operating the vehicle in traffic, passing other vehicles, braking and slowing the vehicle through means other than braking and parking the vehicle.

Written Test - This test checks the driver's comprehension and...

Fleet Safety Management Responsibilities
Those who are responsible for the management of fleet safety within a company must be responsible for proper screening when hiring drivers, proper training and testing of drivers as well as proper maintenance of the vehicles that they drive. Failure to perform these tasks may lead to legal actions against the company for hiring or retaining negligent drivers or for negligence in vehicle maintenance which leads to vehicle accidents and incidents. The management of fleet safety has a major control in whether a company loses or profits in relation to the safety of its vehicle fleet.

Summary and Conclusion

Many individuals within a company work as a part of the mechanism that ensures fleet safety. From management to the mechanics and on to the drivers of the vehicles, it part played is critical if the company is to achieve excellence in fleet safety.