During the week of Sept. 10-16, we will be observing National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. It’s a perfect time to recognize the 3.5 million men and women for their hard work and commitment in undertaking one of our economy’s most demanding and important jobs, braving long hours and challenging conditions to keep our roads safe and our supply chains intact.

I have deep respect for the drivers who promptly and safely deliver the goods to our customers across the country. Driver safety is a critical aspect of any transportation system. In recent years, organizations across the country have started implementing driver reward programs to enhance safety. These programs motivate drivers to practice safe driving habits and recognize and reward their efforts.

When drivers know their efforts are acknowledged and valued, they are more likely to consistently exhibit responsible driving habits. For example, a Harvard Business Review study found that “organizations with driver rewards programs experienced a 27% decrease in instances of aggressive driving behavior.”

At All Star Incentive Marketing, we offer a wide range of safety incentive recognition programs, including custom-tailored campaigns to fit a company’s unique needs. Our AllSAFE Going Above and Beyond Safety platform, for example, is designed for pilot programs, divisional programs, specific job site programs, and contractor programs.

For companies seeking a custom safety recognition/rewards program to help reduce accidents, injuries, and insurance costs, the AllSAFE Going Above & Beyond platform hits on all marks. In as little as 24 hours, we can activate access to our award-winning custom safety recognition and reward program.

Results from our customers shows that safe driving rewards play a crucial role in enhancing driver safety by motivating safe driving behavior, fostering a safety culture, and acknowledging drivers’ efforts. Customer feedback tells us that these programs have a significant impact on reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving habits.

Here’s an example from our client Republic Services, a national solid waste disposal and recycling company. Their Dedicated to Safety (DTS) Rewards Program for truck drivers and other staff has now been running continuously for approximately 20 years and has successfully helped the company improve employee engagement, raise safety awareness, enhanced overall workplace safety, and improved communications.

The program’s success was evident early on as the company experienced accident claims decreases of more than 60% in the first few years alone. As frequency dropped, so too did severity and, as a result, Republic enjoyed a similar overall drop in its insurance and other safety-related costs.

These improvements have saved the company tens of millions of dollars since program inception and helped to create the safest company in the solid waste industry.

By implementing various awards and incentives such as safe driving milestones, safety bonuses, training programs, and vehicle upgrades, companies can create a safer work environment and ensure the well-being of their drivers as well as the motoring public.