The recent launch of our first-ever comprehensive Drug-Impaired Driving Campaign represents a major milestone for NETS and a great way to kick off the year as the topic has become one of the more pressing risks to employers and employees alike. Legalization of cannabis within the U.S. has taken place across several States– with more expected in the future. These developments have presented unique challenges for those behind the wheel and I encourage everyone to explore the campaign content and share throughout your organization.

Preparations are also underway to launch our annual hallmark NETS Strength IN Numbers® Benchmark. We are excited to share news that we have transitioned our Benchmark data collection system, designed to capture employer road safety metrics and program activities, to a new and enhanced platform which will afford even greater capabilities with our future Benchmark processes. Highlights include collection and analysis of additional benchmark leading and lagging program indicators, as well as numerous user-friendly and back office system efficiencies. Language translation capabilities will also be readily available within the system in the future and are expected to play a central role in NETS’ continued global expansion.

As many of you know, the NETS Strength IN Numbers® Benchmark report represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive data collection efforts and is key to any employer road safety program. Analysis of Benchmark data and related trends can not only reveal crucial areas of program need and improvement but can also lead to accelerated progress and efficiency in the implementation of road safety efforts.

Complementing the NETS Benchmark report is our NETS Strength IN Numbers® Annual Benchmark Conference. Our 2020 conference was held in a virtual format due to COVID-19 challenges and restrictions. Planning efforts for our 2021 Conference are already under way with this year’s event once again scheduled for the month of October. Exact dates and details– virtual or face-to-face event– will be announced soon.

In addition, NETS is in the early stages of planning for a possible 2021 Latin America regional conference as a follow-up to our first-ever 2019 International Conference in Costa Rica– building on the success and momentum of the event, and the enthusiasm of those who attended.

Just as with past conference events, attendees will be able to network with employers across a variety of sectors, hear from some of the industry’s leading road safety experts, and engage directly with NETS Road Safety Sponsors who will be on hand to showcase some of the most recent and progressive road safety products and advancements.

As a final item, if you’re not already a NETS member, now is a great time to join. Just last year we updated our membership model to a three-tier system, changing from a “one size fits all” membership pricing model to allow a more diverse membership profile, including expanded participation by international employers. Employers who become members during the months of January through May will benefit immediately by having the opportunity to participate in this year's annual benchmark report. I invite non-members to explore NETS membership benefits and encourage you to join today to support your journey of reducing road safety risk across your organization.

NETS is pleased to share the latest insightful Drive Safely Work Week® (DSWW) road safety campaign, developed through a cooperative agreement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), focused on an issue that has become more prevalent in recent years: Drug Impaired Driving at Work.

Mobile device distractions put employees in danger and companies at risk. So why would anyone settle for safety measures that simply report what went wrong, or only work when people remember to turn them on? TRUCE Software automatically suspends distracting mobile apps and functions depending on what your employee is doing, where they are working or even the workgroup they are part of. You define the policy and TRUCE ensures compliance when and where it’s needed. Supporting more than 100,000 subscribers and some of the largest brands worldwide, our patented technology is making workplaces everywhere safer.

Learn about all of NETS Fleet Safety Sponsors

Register for additional Drive Smart Virginia webinars including Safer Vehicles for a Safer World and Advanced Driver Technology to Spot Distracted Driving: DRIVE Smart Virginia Virtual Safety Series | DRIVE SMART Virginia (drivesmartva.org)

Do you have a particularly successful road safety example to share? NETS Members are encouraged to share best practices, ask questions or contribute their expertise to the NETS Road Safety Leaders Forum, an online discussion forum exclusively for NETS Members and Sponsors. Not yet a member? Check out the benefits at https://trafficsafety.org/membership-info/.