Learner Login
Bill Vargo is the Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability Solutions for North America at DSV, a global logistics and transportation company. He has over 30 years of experience in risk management, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance across industries like logistics, automotive, and consumer services. Bill has led safety programs for thousands of drivers, implemented large-scale defensive driving initiatives, and helped reduce incident rates through training, technology, and operational strategies.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[03:00] Bill Vargo’s journey from warehouse safety to fleet management
[06:44] The benefits of a multimodal driver training approach
[08:11] How post-COVID driving behaviors have increased road risks
[11:30] Strategies to gain senior leadership support for safety programs
[13:38] How incentives and rewards improve driver performance and safety
[16:00] The role of gamification in fleet safety training
[21:41] The debate over hands-free phone use versus cognitive distraction
[24:28] Why storytelling is a powerful tool in driver education
[27:15] The true cost of collisions outside of vehicle damage
[28:30] How vehicle technology increases repair costs and impacts fleet budgets
[36:20] The challenge of younger drivers entering the workforce with less experience
[39:54] Bill’s advice for newcomers in the fleet safety industry
In this episode…
What does safe driving have in common with a well-made Bolognese sauce? Turns out, quite a lot. Both require the right ingredients, the right timing, and constant attention — miss a key element, and the result is a disaster. When it comes to fleet safety, what are the essential components that keep drivers engaged, reduce risk, and ensure everyone gets home safe?
According to Bill Vargo, a seasoned expert in environmental health, safety, and risk management, a successful fleet safety program blends frequent training, leadership buy-in, and behavioral accountability. He highlights that training must be consistent — short, engaging, and reinforced regularly, not just an occasional compliance exercise. Bill also emphasizes that technology like telematics and AI cameras should be used as coaching tools rather than punitive measures. The impact? Companies that adopt a holistic, proactive approach to fleet safety see reduced collision rates, improved driver engagement, and a stronger safety culture across the organization.
In this episode of Roadrageous, hosts Liam Hoch and Chad Lindholm sit down with Bill Vargo, Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability Solutions for North America at DSV, to discuss how smart training strategies keep fleet drivers safe. They explore the importance of frequent training, how technology can shape driver behavior, and why gamification improves safety. Bill also shares how post-pandemic driving habits have changed and what companies can do to address rising road risks.
Quotable Moments:
“Training sticks best when it’s engaging, short, and actively tested, resulting in fewer crashes and safer drivers overall.”
“Let’s get them home the same way: 10 fingers, 10 toes. If we’ve done that, we’ve been successful for the day.”
“People learn in different ways. They remember different ways. For fleet safety, you’ve got to have a little bit of everything.”
“Learn from others’ mistakes. That way, you don’t feel the pain, but you get all the gain from it.”
“If you’re speeding, is it that you’re not giving yourself enough time? Take a step back and look at what’s causing the behavior.”
Action Steps:
- Prioritize frequent and diverse training sessions: Regular, varied training ensures that key safety principles remain fresh in employees’ minds and helps reduce complacency.
- Utilize technology for monitoring and feedback: Incorporating telematics and other monitoring technologies allows for real-time feedback on driving habits, helping to identify risky behaviors and areas for improvement.
- Promote senior leadership engagement: Having senior leaders actively participate in safety training sets a positive example and reinforces the organization’s commitment to safety.
- Address cognitive distractions: Educating drivers about the dangers of cognitive distractions, such as phone conversations, can help drivers stay focused and attentive on the road and significantly reduce accident risks.
- Leverage gamification for motivation: Introducing gamified elements and incentives for safe driving can boost engagement and foster a culture of safety that motivates drivers to improve continuously.
The Key Ingredients to a Successful Fleet Safety Program
A Conversation with Bill Vargo
In a recent episode of the “Roadrageous” podcast, hosts Liam Hoch and Chad Lindholm spoke with Bill Vargo, Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability Solutions for North America at DSV, about the key ingredients to a successful fleet safety program. Vargo has over 30 years of experience in risk management, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance. In this episode, he shares his insights on how to keep drivers engaged, reduce risk, and ensure everyone gets home safe.
The Importance of Training
One of the most important aspects of any fleet safety program is training. Vargo believes that training should be frequent, engaging, and reinforced regularly. It should also be multimodal, incorporating classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel practice, and online learning.
“People learn in different ways,” says Vargo. “They remember different ways. For fleet safety, you’ve got to have a little bit of everything.”
Vargo also stresses the importance of making training relevant to drivers’ everyday experiences. He suggests using real-life stories and scenarios to illustrate key safety concepts.
The Role of Technology
Technology can also play a vital role in fleet safety. Telematics and AI cameras can be used to monitor driver behavior and identify risky habits. However, Vargo cautions that these technologies should be used as coaching tools, not punitive measures.
“Technology should be used to help drivers improve their skills, not to punish them for making mistakes,” says Vargo.
The Importance of Leadership Buy-in
For a fleet safety program to be successful, it is essential to have buy-in from senior leadership. Leaders need to set the example by following safety rules and participating in training. They also need to provide adequate resources for safety programs.
The Benefits of a Successful Fleet Safety Program
A successful fleet safety program can have a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced collision rates
- Improved driver engagement
- A stronger safety culture
- Reduced costs
How to Get Started
If you are looking to improve your fleet safety program, Vargo recommends starting with a few key steps:
- Assess your current safety program. Identify areas where you can make improvements.
- Get buy-in from senior leadership. Explain the benefits of a strong safety program.
- Invest in training. Make sure your drivers have the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe on the road.
- Use technology to monitor driver behavior and identify risky habits.
Create a safety culture. Make safety a priority for everyone in your organization.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can create a successful fleet safety program that will help keep your drivers safe and reduce costs.
Additional Insights and Takeaways
In addition to the key ingredients discussed in this episode, Vargo also shared a number of other insights and takeaways, including:
- The importance of addressing cognitive distractions, such as phone conversations.
- The power of storytelling in driver education.
- The true cost of collisions, which goes beyond vehicle damage.
- The challenges of younger drivers entering the workforce with less experience.
Vargo’s insights and takeaways provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve their fleet safety program.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Liam Hoch on LinkedIn
Chad Lindholm on LinkedIn
Gary Alexander on LinkedIn
Bill Vargo: LinkedIn | Email
DSV
Vargo Risk Solutions
