TRANSPORTATION COST REDUCTION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH DEFENSIVE DRIVING PROGRAMS

Though defensive driving is a relatively new concept in Romania, there are many companies that use such programs to improve their transportation system. The desired benefits primarily aim the reduction of fleet operating costs associated with the repair, maintenance and fleet renewal grade, and also with the employees’ remuneration based on specific Key Process Indicators (KPI). Secondly, integrating such programs in the CSR framework, companies (both companies with large fleets and companies in the automotive industry) benefit from improved market image, including a higher degree of traffic safety for drivers and a much stronger legal protection in health and safety, in the situations caused by the occurrence of unfortunate incidents involving undisciplined driving staff. This paper addresses the economic dimension of defensive driving programs as innovative solutions to reduce costs and increase competitiveness.