COMM 291
Recommendation Memo 2

TO:                M. Smith, President, Macon Industries
FROM:           G. Koch, Transportation Dep’t. Director
DATE:           November 13, 2004
SUBJECT:      Report and Proposed Solution Regarding Company Vehicle Accidents

Problem and Research Data

As you requested, I researched the outbreak of accidents involving company vehicles. Over 2300 accidents have occurred in the past two years; the employee driving the vehicle was faulted almost 75 percent of the time. 

Of our current employees who drive company vehicles, all 104 have been involved in two or more accidents. All of these employees were given three tests: a vision test, the standardized Porter Reaction Test and a road test. These tests were given to determine drivers’ attitudes, habits, proficiency and vehicular-equipment knowledge.

The results revealed that almost all 104 employees have a driving-related problem. Problems include poor driving habits or attitudes, vision problems, lack of equipment knowledge, lack of formal company training, and poor reaction time. Additionally, all drivers are in the 19-27 age group.

Suggested Solution

To help prevent future accidents, I suggest that all 104 employees who operate a company vehicle be required to take a training course as soon as possible; refusal to do so would result in suspension from driving. The tests, and possibly the entire course, would be managed by an independent company to ensure impartiality. The course would have three emphases: basic driving skills, operation of special vehicles and equipment, and driving attitudes or etiquette. The training would also be mandatory for all candidates before being hired.

Any employee who failed the course would be terminated. Likewise, any employee who caused an accident after completing training would be dismissed.

As stated earlier, all of our drivers are between 19 and 27 years old. Given the fact that all 104 have caused multiple accidents, I believe that age and driving performance are related. However, it would be impractical to fire all of our drivers, and just because someone is older does not mean his driving is better. Therefore, I suggest all we require all applicants to provide a copy of their driving record. Candidates with a history of infractions would not be considered for employment.

Advantages and Disadvantages

By requiring driver training, our company would be able to greatly reduce vehicle accidents. Otherwise our drivers are costing us time, money and energy—and potentially the lives of others. The course would allow us to identify and retrain problematic drivers and “weed out” those who are unfit to drive. For new and potential employees, this would act as a precautionary measure, as would requiring a driving-record check.

The company would incur some cost to create a training program, and employees would be taking company time to participate. I feel, however, that the expenditures would be offset by the time and money we would save.